From Prince William County Economic Development:
"The Prince William Board of County Supervisors announced that it has authorized a $50,000 public-private performance agreement with Caerus Discovery, LLC, to work with George Mason University, the largest public research university in the Commonwealth of Virginia, to discover an antibody for the Zika virus.
Caerus Discovery, LLC, a biotechnology company newly located at the Prince William Science Accelerator, will use its proprietary elements to identify and develop a new antibody to fight the Zika virus. The work will be performed at the George Mason University Biomedical Research Laboratory (BRL), located on George Mason University’s (Mason’s) Science & Technology Campus, Innovation Park, Prince William County, Va. The data generated from this work will also be used by Caerus Discovery, LLC to seek continued funding from the National Institute of Health (NIH), the Commonwealth Research Commercialization Fund (CRCF), angel, venture or other private investors, to further advance this important research.
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors authorized an agreement between Caerus Discovery, LLC and the Industrial Development Authority (IDA) of Prince William County and assigned a $50,000 grant from the Prince William County Economic Development Opportunity Fund (EDOF). The grant will assist the company in the purchase of materials, contractual services, labor costs and licensing fees used in the discovery of a new antibody for the Zika virus. In turn, Caerus Discovery, LLC will invest $200,000 through in-kind services and labor.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Zika virus and associated consequences remain a significant public health challenge requiring intense action, but they no longer represent a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. However, WHO reports the global risk assessment of the Zika virus has not changed and continues to spread geographically to areas where mosquitoes are present that can transmit the virus.
Further, the rise in the spread of the Zika virus in Brazil has been accompanied by an unprecedented rise in the number of children being born with unusually small heads – identified as microcephaly. In addition, several countries, including Brazil, report a steep increase in Guillain-Barré Syndrome – a neurological disorder that could lead to paralysis and death. Links to other neurological complications are also being investigated."
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
Recent Stories
Mayor Derrick R. Wood outlined a bold and hopeful vision for the future of Dumfries during his annual State of the Town Address on June 5, 2025.
STAFFORD, Va. – Stafford County has quietly ended its contract with PulsePoint, a mobile app that alerts nearby users when someone in a public space is experiencing cardiac arrest and may need CPR. The decision marks the conclusion of an eight-year relationship with the public safety technology.
Stafford County Public Schools is moving ahead with plans to eliminate artificial food dyes from school meals, following the signing of a new state law that will ban certain synthetic color additives by 2027.
On the last weekend in May, most Stafford families were abuzz with the excitement of summer’s arrival. The Allwine family was abuzz with excitement over the annual AA Farm Honey harvest.
Looking for art opportunities in the DMV? ArtsFairfax.org is your online destination to find and promote artist calls in and around Fairfax. Our Artist Calls directory is always free to use and highlights opportunities to audition, exhibit artwork, or secure commissions. Be sure to check out ArtsFairfax Artist Calls on an ongoing basis – new opportunities are added every week.
In addition to a dozen or so Artist Calls from throughout the region, ArtsFairfax is proud to host the following:
Fairfax250 RV Wrap
For illustrators, visual artists, and graphic designers, we are working with the Fairfax250 Commission to wrap a 37’-long RV that will travel to hundreds of events across Fairfax County. A signage company will handle the installation – all we need is the design. See your art on this rolling billboard all year long!
On June 20th, 2025, Woodbridge Rotary Club will be holding our 21st annual charity golf tournament. This tournament is in memory of two of our past Presidents and valued members of the community. Joe Devaney passed away March 22, 2005 and a few years ago, Bill O’Hop passed away barely a week after playing in this tournament in 2015. Both Joe and Bill were each other’s best friends and they both loved golf! Please help us pay tribute to our dear friends by participating in this tournament and helping us to support our local and international charities. If you are interested in golfing, sponsoring, donating a door prize and/or know someone who is, please contact us (Mark Worrilow [email protected] or 703-244-8702). Signing up is also possible using the QR code.
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has
