23963 - Synthesis of Complex Brucella Tetrasaccharide antigen

APHA has been working with organic chemists at the University of Alberta on research using synthetic sugars as antigens for brucella diagnostic tests. These antigens have great advantages over the existing antigens. Small research quantities of these complex sugars have been provided by the University. Small quantities have been provided to veterinary diagnostic companies who now require larger quantities to fully evaluate. APHA now needs to get a significant amount of the tetrasaccharide antigen synthesized to allow wider evaluation by diagnostic companies, sale of the antigen and the issuing of licenses for companies to use the sugars in their tests.