Translational Research

The Translational Research Fund (TRF) was introduced in 2017 to facilitate adoption of the PCC’s scientific and technological developments into laboratories that serve the anti-doping community. When appropriate, this is accomplished directly by the researchers themselves. In other cases, the PCC uses TRF funds to encourage additional R&D, identify commercialization viability and interest, and manage adoption of research results through licensing agreements, joint ventures, and other creative partnerships designed to facilitate adoption of PCC funded research.

Improving the efficiency and sensitivity of steroid detection in urine via the coupling of fast GC and comprehensive 2D gas chromatography (GCxGC) with isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). TRF funding is facilitating R&D efforts to design equipment capable of improved duty cycle and highly precise isotope analysis of steroids and other doping agents using the novel method. While original research produced a high temperature reactor system which was fragile and susceptible to leaks, ARC Reactors has produced numerous prototype micro-reactors that operate at much lower temperatures and can thus facilitate routine usage. Next steps include advancing designs towards fast GCC-IRMS. With this, customized and fast electronic boards must be used. The new catalyst and reactor design should enable better peak shapes and resolution and the new reactor design is more robust, leading to longer lifetime.

Development of a novel card device for efficient, point-of-care collection of plasma and whole blood. The card is designed to provide micro plasma samples from blood without the need for centrifugation or other laboratory techniques for producing plasma, and allow for inexpensive shipping due to increased stability as well as efficient analysis. A patent for the cards has been granted or is pending in multiple jurisdictions, and there is significant interest in the cards from external industries. Currently laboratory efforts include expanding applications of the DPS card for detection of additional banned substances and adapting methods for automated, high-throughput analysis. It is the PCC’s hope the cards can ultimately be combined with emergency collection technologies.

The PCC funded Dr. Mario Thevis to determine the applicability of SensAbues exhaled breath (EB) technology to anti-doping settings. The Swedish technology is partially validated to accurately detect drugs of abuse as well as substances classified in six categories of WADA’s Prohibited List. An aerosol generator was adapted to simulate the application of drug containing exhaled breath particles on any breath collection device. Field trials and analysis are complete, and the aerosol generator is optimized to support the characterization of the drug collection device. A total of 25 different substances were successfully applied to exhaled breath collection devices. PCC-funded research seeks to optimize filter technology and use aerosol generators to determine detection.

Discuss TRF Opportunities