AMR diagnostic innovators get boost with launch of new Sprint programme

The Longitude Prize, has launched a new programme of activity focused on accelerating innovation in diagnostic tests that are essential to managing the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) worldwide. The new Longitude Prize Sprint programme consists of a series of free, deep-dive, technical workshops (delivered via webinar) with industry experts, plus a package of bespoke 1-to-1 expert support sessions for current Prize competitors. The programme will run until March 2021.

The Longitude Prize is a £10m prize fund that will reward a team of researchers that develops a rapid point-of-care diagnostic test that will help conserve antibiotics for generations to come.

This new programme of technical support responds to the need to drive support to the development of innovative diagnostic tests and investment opportunities for test developers. Without accurate, rapid diagnostic tests and best practice in antibiotic stewardship, we risk undermining the efficacy of the new drugs in the long-term and compromise our current stocks of antibiotics in the short-term. Longitude Prize Sprint aims to further build on the global efforts to augment innovative diagnostic product development in critical areas of AMR.

The technical webinars are open to any individual, business or organisation working to develop new diagnostic tests in the field of AMR. Following each of the webinars, Longitude Prize competitors will gain exclusive access to additional expert support, with sessions tailored to their needs.

Ruth Neale, Longitude Prize Project Manager, Nesta Challenges said: 
“Though the focus of the diagnostic and pharmaceutical community is, by necessity, on dealing with the current pandemic, the threat of drug resistant infections has not abated. The Longitude Prize Sprint programme is targeted at driving forward the innovation we so urgently need to ensure the correct antibiotics are prescribed first time thanks to accurate, rapid and affordable diagnostic tests. Only then can we slow antimicrobial resistance and have confidence that existing and new antibiotics will be preserved for the long-term.”

Satya Prakash Dash, Member, Board of Directors, NCL- Venture Center, Pune, India, who will be moderating the first Sprint workshop said:
“There are many uncertainties that medical technology “MedTech” product developers have to navigate. Successful navigation of the regulatory maze, securing investment and establishing effective commercialisation plans is important to their success. The Longitude Prize Sprint programme, will draw upon insights from global experts across the MedTech community and address the nuances in different geographies which will guide MedTech innovators in their product development strategies.”

Schedule of upcoming workshops:

1. Navigating MedTech Regulation Pathways in Developed and Emerging Markets (Friday, 7 August)
2. Understanding the landscape of investment and available funding (September 2020)