[Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation](https://www.gatesfoundation.org)

January 31, 2025 (Option A) | May 31, 2025 (Option B)

Up to $750,000 per project (Option A, up to 18 months) | Option B: funding and duration negotiable, based on project scope

Supports innovative manufacturing platforms to produce monoclonal antibodies at $10/gram for global health applications, with two tracks for early-stage and advanced concepts.

Applicants may only apply to one option (A or B), not both.

--- ## Description The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, in partnership with LifeArc, is seeking proposals for innovative manufacturing platforms capable of producing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) at a final drug substance cost-of-goods of $10 per gram. The challenge aims to catalyze disruptive bioprocessing approaches that can enable large-scale, affordable mAb production for global health needs, particularly for diseases such as malaria, RSV, and HIV. There are two application tracks: - **Option A:** For proof-of-concept development, including conceptual facility design and lab-scale process data. - **Option B:** For organizations with existing proof-of-concept data (Technical Readiness Level 3-5) seeking further development funding. Proposals should focus on technological innovations that can achieve the cost target at a production scale of one metric ton per year. --- ## Due Dates - **Option A (Proof-of-Concept):** January 31, 2025 - **Option B (Further Development):** May 31, 2025 Applicants may only submit to one option. --- ## Funding Amount - **Option A:** Up to $750,000 USD per project, with a grant term of up to 18 months. - **Option B:** Funding amount and duration are flexible and determined per project, based on the scope and stage of development. Budgets should be commensurate with the proposed work. --- ## Eligibility - Open to: - Academic institutions - Non-profit organizations - For-profit companies - International organizations - Government agencies - Only individuals applying through a legally recognized corporate entity are eligible. - Projects led by women, women-led organizations, or institutions based in low- and middle-income countries are especially encouraged. - Collaborations are welcome; applicants needing specific expertise can indicate this in their submission. --- ## Application Process - **Option A:** Submit a proposal detailing a conceptual facility design and lab-scale process data demonstrating the ability to meet the $10/gram cost target for malaria antibodies. - **Option B:** Submit a proposal with non-confidential data demonstrating Technical Readiness Level 3-5 for malaria, RSV, or HIV antibodies, and outline further development plans. Applicants should: - Clearly describe the technological approach and steps to achieve the cost target. - Include a justification of costs (fully loaded, including reagents, labor, facility, QC/QA, fill-finish, and licensing). - Demonstrate the technical quality and ability to generate data within 12 months (Option A). - Outline team capabilities and relevant experience. **Note:** Proposals must focus on technological solutions for manufacturing, not on molecule modification, delivery, administration, or incremental improvements. --- ## Additional Information - Proposals must target high-volume production (1 metric ton/year). - Only technological solutions are eligible; non-technological or incremental cost-saving approaches are not considered. - The challenge is focused on drug substance manufacturing, not drug product or alternative administration routes. - Each funder (Gates Foundation and LifeArc) will make independent award decisions for Option A; Option B is managed solely by the Gates Foundation. --- ## External Links - [Challenge Details & Application Portal (Gates Foundation)](https://gcgh.grandchallenges.org/challenge/innovations-exceptionally-low-cost-monoclonal-antibody-mab-manufacturing) - [Option B Application Portal](https://submit.gatesfoundation.org/prog/grandchallenges_mAb_Option_B) - [Technical Readiness Level Guidance (PDF)](https://gcgh.grandchallenges.org/sites/default/files/files/low-cost_mab_manufacturing_trl.pdf) - [MAM01 Malaria Antibody Reference](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nuccore/?term=ms-1797) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |--------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Funder Page | [Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation](https://www.gatesfoundation.org) | | General Info | [Contact Form](https://www.gatesfoundation.org/about/contact) | | Phone | +1 206-709-3100 |

Low-Cost Mab Manufacturing

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