Advancing Countermeasures for Marine Toxin Threats
The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), through its Research and Development Chemical and Biological Technologies Directorate in support of the Joint Science and Technology Office (JSTO), has issued a Request for Information (RFI) titled “Plume”. This initiative seeks information on the capabilities and availability of suitable animal models for researching aerosol exposure to marine toxins. These efforts are foundational to developing medical countermeasures that safeguard U.S. warfighters against unique and potentially lethal threats encountered in maritime operational environments.
The Scope of the “Plume” RFI
The “Plume” RFI focuses on gathering detailed information about animal models that accurately replicate the physiological and toxicological effects of aerosol exposure to specific marine toxins, including but not limited to palytoxin, conotoxin, saxitoxin, and tetrodotoxin. DTRA is interested in models that can be rigorously characterized across species, strain, age, sex, and exposure method, with validated aerosol generation and delivery systems.
Key areas of interest include:
- Aerosol Generation and Characterization – Specifications of particle size, stability, and dose deposition within the respiratory tract.
- Exposure Systems – Design and validation of whole-body or nose-only systems.
- Toxin Preparation and Characterization – Source, purity, and analytical verification.
- Supporting Assays – Functional, bioanalytical, and biomarker assays that assess exposure effects.
- Toxicity and Pathophysiology – Data on dose-response relationships, clinical signs, and relevant biomarkers.
- Existing Efficacy Data – Prior testing results of prophylactic or therapeutic countermeasures in the model.
In addition, respondents should detail their organizational expertise in conducting aerosol exposure studies and evaluating countermeasures for these toxin threats.
Key Dates for Respondents
All responses to the “Plume” RFI are due by the following deadline:
- September 2, 2025 (COB) – 2–10 page written response containing model characteristics, exposure methods, and available data. Responses must be submitted via email.
Funding and Award Information
As an RFI, “Plume” is strictly an information-gathering initiative and does not constitute a commitment for funding. While no awards will result directly from this notice, the information collected will shape future solicitations that may lead to funded research and development projects under DTRA and JSTO programs. Organizations with relevant capabilities should highly consider participation as a strategic entry point for future federal funding opportunities.
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