Innovations for Exceptionally Low-Cost Monoclonal Antibody (mAb) Manufacturing RFP
This grant funds innovative scientific approaches to develop manufacturing platforms that lower monoclonal antibody production costs to $10/g, expanding access to these therapies in low- and middle-income countries.
Funder: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Due Dates: January 31, 2025 (Option A) | May 31, 2025 (Option B)
Funding Amounts: Up to $750,000 USD per project (Option A, up to 18 months); Option B funding and duration determined per project.
Summary: Funds innovative approaches to reduce monoclonal antibody production costs to $10/g, aiming to expand access in low- and middle-income countries.
Key Information: Applicants may only apply to one option; only organizations (not individuals) are eligible.
Description
This funding opportunity seeks bold, transformative proposals to develop or operationalize manufacturing platforms capable of producing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) at a final drug substance cost-of-goods of $10 per gram. The goal is to catalyze innovative, disruptive bioprocessing approaches that can dramatically reduce the high costs of mAb production, which currently limit access to these life-saving treatments in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Solutions may involve new hosts, alternative purification methods, process innovations, or learnings from adjacent industries. The initiative is a collaboration between the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and LifeArc, with each funder making independent award decisions.
