FIND is leading a call for expressions of interest (EOI) to accelerate the availability and manufacturing scale-up of rapid diagnostic tests for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antigens.
This EOI has been prepared in the context of the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator Diagnostics Pillar. Launched by FIND and Unitaid, it supports the work plans of two working groups within the pillar: “R&D of tests & digital tools” (led by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Praesens Foundation) and “Market readiness” (led by Unitaid and FIND).
Innovators, RDT developers, IVD manufacturers and LMIC-based diagnostic stakeholders are invited to apply.
A range of funding mechanisms could be applied according to the needs of each business case.
Proposals are sought from innovators, RDT developers, IVD manufacturers, and LMIC-based diagnostic stakeholders interested in:
- Expanding their own production capacity, with commitment to LMIC supply
- Supporting geographic diversification of manufacturing in one or more LMIC regions with local partnerships, including (but not limited to) contract manufacturing for open-label products
- Partnering with readily available high-quality manufacturing capacity globally, or offering their own excess production capacity to other developers
- Licensing and/or technology transfer
This EOI opened on 4 July 2020, and the first deadline for receipt of submissions is 24 July 2020, 23:59 CET. Subject to additional funding commitments, a second deadline will be established to enable inclusion of manufacturers who are not yet at a stage where they can submit a proposal, followed by a rolling process for further submissions.
For full details on how to apply, please refer to the full EOI (PDF).
FIND is leading this EOI on behalf of ACT-A Dx; management, evaluation and selection of proposals will be conducted according to FIND governance, policies and procedures. Proposals and partnerships selected for funding negotiations will then engage with the corresponding donors, who will follow their own procedures for contracting and monitoring.