CARB-X

CARB-X, or the Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator, is a global non-profit partnership dedicated to accelerating the development of new treatments, vaccines, and diagnostics to combat drug-resistant bacteria. Established in 2016, its primary mission is to address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by supporting innovative early-stage research and development, particularly focusing on projects from discovery through preclinical development.

CARB-X operates through a unique funding model, providing non-dilutive grants and extensive scientific and business support to companies and research institutions worldwide. Its funding comes from a consortium of prominent global health organizations, including the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Wellcome Trust; Germany's Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF); the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; and the Global Health Innovative Technology Fund (GHIT Fund). This collaborative structure enables CARB-X to pool resources and expertise to tackle a complex global health challenge.

Since its inception, CARB-X has made a significant impact on the AMR landscape. As of early 2024, it has awarded over $483 million in non-dilutive funding to more than 100 projects across various countries. These projects span a diverse portfolio, including novel antibiotics, rapid diagnostics, and preventative vaccines. The organization's support is crucial for de-risking early-stage development, which is often challenging for private investment due to the high costs and long timelines associated with bringing new antimicrobial products to market.