A proteinaceous material has been found to show similar activity and treatment response to that of disease causing prions, such as CJD. A prion model which incorporates the proteinaceous material has a variety of applications. The model has an ability to be cultured either in vivo or in vitro, allowing rapid screening of potential drugs for treating animals or humans, or methods of treating food products or items which may come into contact with prions, such as medical or dental devices. Several treatment methods and materials have been developed using the model.