Call for Grant Applications – Innovations for Low-cost Monoclonal Antibody (mAb) Manufacturing Phase II
Application Deadline:
31 May 2025
About Organisation
The Gates Foundation, in partnership with LifeArc, is committed to addressing global health challenges, particularly by making essential medical treatments more accessible. The Gates Foundation focuses on finding innovative solutions to critical issues affecting low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including the development of affordable healthcare solutions. LifeArc, a UK-based medical research charity, brings expertise in supporting the development of breakthrough treatments, with a focus on advancing innovative biotechnologies. Through collaborations like the Grand Challenges initiative, both organizations work towards transforming healthcare access and affordability worldwide. Together, they aim to tackle pressing issues in the biopharmaceutical industry, striving for equitable healthcare solutions by driving forward high-impact innovation and research.
About the Grant
This initiative seeks bold, innovative proposals to develop proof-of-concept manufacturing platforms that produce monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) at a target cost of $10 per gram. The Gates Foundation and LifeArc are offering support to organizations with proven data to scale mAb production at reduced costs. This grant will focus on technologies that enhance production efficiency, explore alternative bioprocessing approaches, and reduce the cost of materials and manufacturing processes. The goal is to advance cost-effective, scalable methods to produce lifesaving monoclonal antibodies at a significantly lower cost, particularly for diseases like malaria, HIV, and RSV, which require large quantities of antibodies. Proposals should demonstrate potential breakthroughs, with clear paths to achieving a low-cost production model for mAbs.
Who can Apply?
This opportunity is open to nonprofit organizations, for-profit companies, international organizations, government agencies, and academic institutions. Proposals led by women or in collaboration with women-led organizations are particularly encouraged. Applicants must be legally recognized corporate entities. The challenge is focused on organizations with proof-of-concept data for the production of monoclonal antibodies at a cost of $10 per gram, with solutions meeting Technical Readiness Levels (TRL) 3-5. Proposals must demonstrate the ability to produce antibodies at scale (metric ton per year), including a full cost breakdown, and technological solutions that could enable manufacturing in LMICs. For Option B applicants, the focus is on antibodies for diseases like malaria, RSV, or HIV, which require high doses. Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with experts in various fields to create end-to-end solutions. Those interested in submitting proposals should include non-confidential data from earlier development stages and demonstrate technical capabilities within 12 months.
How to Apply?
To apply, submit your proposal detailing your technological solution, team qualifications, and development data for producing monoclonal antibodies at $10 per gram. Applications must meet TRL 3-5.
Application Deadline
The deadline for submission is 31 May 2025, 11:30 AM Pacific Time.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
