Applications Invited for Innovations for Exceptionally Low-Cost Monoclonal Antibody (mAb) Manufacturing

Organization: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Application Deadline: January 31, 2025, 11:30 AM PST

About the Organization

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation aims to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to lead a healthy and productive life, emphasizing that all lives have equal value. With resources derived from their Microsoft wealth, the foundation works to address inequalities caused by circumstances beyond an individual’s control.

About the Grant

The foundation, in partnership with LifeArc, is soliciting innovative proposals to develop low-cost manufacturing platforms for monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with a target cost-of-goods (COG) of $10 per gram.

• Option A: Develop proof-of-concept for cost-efficient manufacturing methods.
• Option B: Further develop existing proof-of-concept work demonstrating feasibility of $10/gram production costs.

Funding Levels

• Option A: Grants up to $750,000 USD for an 18-month project term.
• Option B: Funding and terms evaluated on a per-project basis, depending on scope.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to:

• Nonprofit organizations
• For-profit companies
• International organizations
• Government agencies
• Academic institutions

Special Consideration:
Applications led by women, collaborations with women-led organizations, or based in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are particularly encouraged.

Objectives

1. Lower mAb production costs to $10/gram.
2. Enhance production efficiency and process economics.
3. Encourage disruptive innovations and rethink traditional manufacturing.

Focus Areas:

• Alternative hosts for antibody production.
• Non-standard purification methods.
• Reduction in material costs.
• Technological advancements for high-volume manufacturing.

Application Details

Option A: Proof-of-Concept

• Output: Conceptual facility design and lab-scale process data demonstrating $10/gram feasibility.
• Demonstrate potential for human application and scalability.

Option B: Operationalization & Economic Viability

• Applicants must have existing proof-of-concept data (Technical Readiness Level 3-5).
• Share non-confidential data and scalability plans.

Selection Criteria

Proposals must:

• Address production of MAM01 (malaria) antibodies for Option A, or malaria, RSV, or HIV antibodies for Option B.
• Target production volumes of 1 metric ton/year.
• Include all-inclusive cost estimations.
• Highlight team capabilities and provide a clear, step-by-step solution.
• Articulate solutions suitable for manufacturing in LMICs.

How to Apply

• Submit your application by January 31, 2025, 11:30 AM PST.
• For details and to apply, visit the Grant Challenge Website.

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