CARB-X has announced details of the latest funding rounds. I
The four product themes for this funding round are:
- THERAPEUTICS FOR INFECTIONS CAUSED BY GRAM-NEGATIVE PATHOGENS
The scope is restricted to direct-acting small-molecule therapeutics. Molecules with properties that will deliver an IV route with an oral stepdown are preferred. In all cases, activity against both susceptible and multidrug-resistant organisms on the WHO and CDC bacterial threat lists is essential. - PREVENTION FOR INVASIVE DISEASE
Novel approaches to prevention of invasive disease caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli are sought. Given the history of challenges in drug development in this arena, modalities other than vaccines are preferred; however, if a vaccine is proposed, a novel aspect (e.g. adjuvant strategy or vaccine composition) that makes a compelling case must be underscored. - DIAGNOSTICS FOR NEONATAL SEPSIS
Consistent with our “Aligned by Design” strategy, we seek diagnostics to support the growing portfolio of potential maternal vaccines to prevent neonatal sepsis. Products focused on rapid triage, bacterial identification and/or automated susceptibility testing are sought. Time-to-result and cost-of-goods are key criteria, and small-sample volumes are critical for this patient population. Pathogen ID and AST Products must focus on priority pathogens, including Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii. - PROOF-OF-CONCEPT FOR NOVEL SAMPLE TYPES FOR DIAGNOSING LOWER-RESPIRATORY-TRACT INFECTIONS
Consistent with our “Aligned by Design” strategy, we seek diagnostics to support the many therapeutic projects focused on lower-respiratory-tract infections (LRTI). Owing to the challenges with BAL samples, as a first step, projects that can demonstrate proof-of-concept data with novel sample types are sought.
Target product profiles and minimal acceptable criteria for all funding calls will be defined and available on carb-x.org.
Expressions of interest for all themes may be submitted during these timeframes:
- 18 March 2024 at 10:00 ET – 29 March 2024 at 23:59 ET
- 23 September 2024 at 10:00 ET – 4 October 2024 at 23:59 ET