Special Pathogen Research Network

medical researcher working with test tubes in a laboratory

Supporting Clinical Research Infrastructure

The Special Pathogens Research Network (SPRN) is building a national infrastructure to accelerate clinical research during outbreaks of high-consequence infectious diseases. In partnership with federal agencies, leading research institutions, and the 10 U.S. Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Centers (RESPTCs), SPRN enhances readiness to respond to Ebola and other special pathogens.

Our network provides researchers with training, tools, and resources to understand clinical syndromes and evaluate effective treatments and management strategies.

About SPRN

SPRN Activities

Central Institutional Review Board

The SPRN Central Institutional Review Board ensures that clinical trials across the 10 partner facilities in key response regions of the country are reviewed efficiently and with the highest ethical and quality standards. The central IRB has a rapid response review process that gives researchers quicker turn-around times during special pathogens events.

SPRN Biorepository

The SPRN Biorepository and associated protocols provide access to biospecimens paired with rich clinical metadata collected from patients infected with high consequence pathogens and healthcare workers working in the clinical biocontainment environment. They are a resource for SPRN investigators and external collaborators around the globe.

Training and Education

Our training can help you develop your facility’s capacity to turn on protocols and engage nurses to improve research outputs. From leadership resources to exercise templates, we offer educational tools to implement clinical research protocols.

State of the Science

SPRN compiles and disseminates cutting edge research in combating emerging pathogens. Subject matter experts from participating NETEC sites provide input and guidance on medical countermeasures, technologies, and publications available regarding high-consequence pathogens.