The Grand Challenges family of initiatives seeks to source and seed innovations and accelerate the development of transformational solutions. The Gates Foundation, in collaboration with LifeArc, a self-funded medical research charity in the UK, is calling on innovators, scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs- whether they are seasoned experts in biologics or pioneers in related fields- to join us in this Grand Challenge. Together, we can unlock new pathways to reduce costs, enhance production efficiency, and ultimately expand access to life-saving treatments for all.

The Gates Foundation and LifeArc are soliciting proposals to develop proof-of-concept for manufacturing platforms that produce monoclonal antibodies at a final drug substance cost-of-goods of $10 per gram (Option A). The goal is to catalyze and accelerate multiple, diverse, innovative bioprocessing approaches that hold the promise of low cost-of-goods mAbs.

Additionally, the Gates Foundation is interested in hearing from organizations that have already completed proof-of-concept work that could result in cost-of-goods of $10 per gram and may be interested in additional support (Option B).

Objectives of the challenge (both Option A and Option B)

• Advance innovative and bold ideas that enhance production efficiency and improve overall process economics for mAb production, resulting in a final drug substance cost-of-goods of $10 per gram. This includes, but is not limited to:
  • • Alternative hosts to mammalian cell culture
    • Alternative to standard downstream purification methods
    • Reduction in material costs
• Push the boundaries of current technology by harnessing disruptive innovations, possibly from parallel industries, and identify process improvements to reduce manufacturing costs
• Rethink existing methods of working such as release testing process and costs, high-quality and affordable raw materials and critical reagents

For more information, visit the Global Grants Challenges website by clicking HERE.