The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Patent Medicines Basin (MPP) have today announced a subcontracting contract Between MPP and a Nigerian Health Technology Technology Company – Codix Bio – to start the development and manufacture of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTS) using the technology transferred from the world in vitro Diagnostic company – SD BIOCAPTER (SDB). This agreement will help advance equitable access to vital diagnostic tools thanks to local production, the widening of manufacturing capacities in the African region.
The new RDT technology is particularly useful for low or intermediate income countries (LMIC), as it is easy to use in health establishments without requiring additional equipment. The tests are very sensitive and can generate results within 20 minutes. Codix Bio will initially focus on RDT production for HIV, but technology can also be used for the manufacture of tests for malaria and syphilis, among others. It can also be quickly adapted to other diseases, which will prove to be precious during emergencies and health pandemics, contributing to improvements in health security and equity.
“Sublilicensing of SDB RDT technology marks an important step in strengthening manufacturing capacity in regions where they are most necessary,” said Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, Deputy Managing Director, Access to Medicines and Health Products. “It can help advance the global commitments made in the World Health Assembly 2023 to promote fair access to diagnoses as the cornerstone of universal health coverage and pandemic preparation.”
“We are delighted to have signed this first underside agreement for the RDT with CODIX BIO. Today marks a major step forward in the diversification of diagnostic production and guaranteeing access where it is most necessary, “said Charles Gore, executive director of the Pool of Medicine patents. “It shows how voluntary licenses and the transfer of coordinated technology can empower manufacturers in LMIs, which ultimately contributes to reshaping the world supply chains to become more equitable and resilient.”
A new start for htap
This agreement is the first to get out of a Transparent non -exclusive license between SDB and MPP, which was agreed in December 2023 Under the auspices of COVVI-19 technology access pool initiative (C). C-TAP has since evolved as HTAP – The health technology access programIn order to reduce the access gap in regions and poorly served countries by empowering local producers capable of health products (tests, vaccines, treatments and medical devices) by the subsidiary, technology and transfer of know-how.
“The announcement of this sub-sub-subsquery agreement with CODIX BIO marks an important step in our partnership with WHO and MPP. are proud that our very adaptable and reliable rapid diagnostic test technology contributes to strengthening regional manufacturing ecosystems and to expand fair access to diagnostics. »»
After the announcement of the OMS and MPP call for applications for manufacturers based on LMIs, Codix Bio was selected as the first sublincee. “This historic agreement is a decisive moment in our healthcare technology innovation course and a breakthrough for the manufacture of local health care in Africa. Being selected as the first underside in the context of this global initiative underlines our commitment to contribute significantly to preparation for the pandemic and regional health security, “said Sammy Ogunjimi, group management director, codix group. “With the support of WHO and MPP, we are committed to producing high -quality rapid diagnostic tests which can transform access to a timely diagnosis, not only in Nigeria, but through the continent.”
HTAP will coordinate support from WHO and its partners, covering areas such as workforce development, regulatory compliance and product absorption. It also continues with evaluations for a second potential sublincee for this technology transfer.
Most PRFMs rely on the import of health diagnostics. After the fragility and high dependence on health products supplies imported during the COVVI-19 pandemic lessons and important learned for regional health security, there is an increasing dynamic to improve local production and the resilience of supply, in particular by institutions such as Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the World Fund and Unitad.
“CDC Africa welcomes this partnership as a concrete example of regional health security (Phah).
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About Prevet Pool drugs (MPP)
The Patent Patent Basin (MPP) is a public health organization supported by the United Nations working to increase access and facilitate the development of vital drugs for low and intermediate income countries. Thanks to its innovative commercial model, MPP is associated with civil society, governments, international organizations, industry, patient groups and other stakeholders to prioritize and conceded the necessary drugs and pool intellectual property to encourage generic manufacturing and the development of new formulations. MedicinespatentpOOL.org
About whom
Dedicated to the well-being of everyone and guided by science, the World Health Organization leads and defends global efforts to give everyone, everywhere an equal chance in a safe and healthy life. We are the United Nations Health Agency that connects nations, partners and those on the front line in more than 150 locations – leading the global response to health emergencies, prevention of disease, tackling the profound causes of health problems and expanding access to drugs and health care. Our mission is to promote health, keep the world safe and serve vulnerable. www.who.int