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* 82/18/2885 11:49 3016192152 BACT DIV ®@ , PAGE 11/17 The University of Michigan Medical Center Division of Allergy and Immunology 3918 Taubman Center n Arbor, Michigan 48109-0380 be J ; : | Fax (313) 936-2990 7c | May 10, 1997 oheyti te” ? a : —_ —_ | ison USAMRIID 1425 Porter St. Ft. Detrick, MID 21702-5011 mo My colleagues and I would like to extend our thanks and appreciati wand Dr. Ivins for the opportunity to work at USAMRUD. Dr. Ivins, were very helpful and cooperative in facilitating our studies as well as providing excellent technical assistance. Their efforts made our stay at USAMRIID both pleasant and highly productive. In particular, our discussions with Dr. Ivins provided valuable insights which will enable us to better define and develop our technology. The data generated in these studies serves to clarify and validate the results which we have seen in our model systems (see attachments). We were able to block growth of both strains of B. anthracis with emulsion incorporated media (Table 1). We also were successful in reducing both Vollum and Ames spore counts by 95% (as assessed by CFU of viable organisms). These reductions were observed at spore concentrations up to 1 X 106/ml (Figure 1), and were seen even in conditions which limited germination (room temperature incubation). Decreased numbers of spores also were identified microscopically in the media after treatment. In contrast, no reduction in counts was noted with an initial spore inoculum of 1 X 108/ml (Figure 2). These conditions probably overwhelm the ermulsion given that the concentration of spores is approaching the concentration of lipid vesicles. However, extremely high spore concentrations may alter the effect of the lipid in other ways and we are designing experiments with inhibitors of germination used at lower spore densities to clarify this result. We were pleased with this outcome and the personal interaction that produced them.. Given the non-toxic nature of these emulsions, we feel that they may have a role in the decontamination and treatment of agents such as anthrax and alphavirus. We look forward to future collaborative efforts with Dr. Ivins and his laboratory staff. With the diverse nature of our respective programs, we believe that a cooperative approach will serve to accelerate the development of these compounds.