R2D2 TB network offers diverse avenues of support to drive the development of innovative TB diagnostics solutions. Our technology scouting team is always looking to partner with innovators who are developing novel solutions for TB diagnosis. Through rigorous research and analysis, we scout for groundbreaking tools and technologies with the potential to transform TB diagnosis. Our technology scouting activities span three areas - identification, information gathering, selection - as described in the figure below. By directly engaging with developers, we gain deep insights into each innovation's potential, enabling us to partner effectively to advance promising solutions for TB diagnosis. Contact us to explore collaboration possibilities.

 
 
 

Opportunities for Developers

 

Guidance in TB product development

  • Leading international experts in TB diagnostics research, registration pathways and policy development
  • Insights into the latest research, regulatory requirements, and market considerations for TB
 

Matchmaking with compatible development partners

  • Mediating introductions based on complementary strengths and needs
  • Facilitating collaborations to maximise impact and streamline information exchange
 

Access to well-characterized banked samples

  • Global repository of samples obtained from people in high TB-burden countries
  • More information can be found here.
 

Verification and validation studies in high TB burden countries

  • A state-of-the-art clinical trial network
  • Research staff with expertise in the collection of registration quality data
  • Key markets and in-country stakeholders for scale-up of novel TB diagnostics
 

Policy-relevant trials of design-lock products

  • Adaptive, master protocols to enable rapid and iterative inclusion and evaluation of early/late prototypes and large-scale validation studies
  • Access to diverse populations of adults, children and high-risk groups (including people living with HIV, diabetes mellitus, others)
  • Rigorous reference standards for accurate classification of TB status, including resolution of false positives through additional testing and patient follow-up
 

Summary Statistics of Companies and Products

 

Our Collaborators

 
 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

  • Developers are welcome to apply at any stage. Most technologies in our portfolio are technology readiness level (TRL) of 4 or above.

  • Depending on the developer's needs, R2D2 TB Network also offers:

    • Access to well-characterized banked samples

    • Usability and cost-effectiveness modelling studies

    • Guidance on TB product development

    • Matchmaking with relevant development partners

  • Data on studies will be made available to the developer for review and further development of their solution.

    There is no requirement that the results of the first evaluation of the first prototype be made public. However, the findings of validations following the initial one must be made publicly available. We always give developers the option to review and comment on abstracts and publications within a reasonable time frame.

  • Depending on the stage of development, detailed information on the platform/tool/assay characteristics and requirements, end-to-end workflow, instructions-for-use, SOPs are ideal to facilitate discussions.

  • Some of the factors include:

    • Intended use case and test characteristics aligned with WHO target product profiles (TPP)

    • Commitment to the TB field and global access in LMIC markets (for e.g. affordable tests are prioritised by the R2D2 TB Network)

  • R2D2 TB Network offers no direct financial support. For developers looking to raise funding, we can provide a letter of support on grant applications. R2D2 TB Network, however, offers in-kind support by covering the cost of the clinical validation studies and providing well-charaterized, banked samples.

  • Our network offers a range of clinical evaluation options tailored to the readiness of your technology and specific developer requirements. From iterative trials involving 50 to 300 patients to larger 1500-patient studies suitable for policy endorsement, we ensure comprehensive validation. Moreover, we engage stakeholders, including end-users, to refine early prototypes, enhancing operational efficiency and usability. All of this is offered to developers at no cost. Several small iterations are possible when it comes to early prototypes.

    The developer is expected to supply the required number of tests/instruments to the designated sites, with specific quantities to be determined collaboratively during further discussions. Additionally, logistical assistance for obtaining import permits and regulatory approvals in various countries, along with training support such as training materials and on-site training if feasible, will be necessary as appropriate.

  • You can expect to hear back from us within 2-3 days. Following that, we will schedule an introductory call to learn more about your technology and to inform you about the R2D2 TB Network.

  • If you’re an innovator working on novel TB diagnostics for triage, diagnosis, and/or drug-susceptibility testing, or interested in adapting your diagnostic technologies to TB, please submit your technology via our online form.

 

The Team

 

Claudia studied medicine, international public health and tropical medicine in Würzburg, Cleveland, and London. For her clinical training in internal medicine and infectious diseases she went to the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a Harvard Medical School hospital in Boston, USA. After a postdoc at McGill, Montreal, Canada in epidemiology, she went to FIND in 2014, the Global Alliance for Diagnostics in Geneva, Switzerland, to lead the tuberculosis program and build up the hepatitis program. Since 2019, she has been the medical director of the Department for Infectious Disease and Tropical Medicine at the Heidelberg University Hospital. Her research has focuses on diagnostics development, trialing and implementation for resource-poor settings. 

Claudia Denkinger
MD, PhD

Project Leader
Heidelberg University Hospital
claudia.denkinger@uni-heidelberg.de

Dr. Adithya Cattamanchi, MD, MAS, is a Professor of Medicine and Public Health, and Chief of the Division of Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care Medicine at the University of California Irvine. Dr. Cattamanchi’s research over the past 15 years has focused on the epidemiology of tuberculosis (TB) and the development, evaluation, and implementation of TB diagnostics in high burden countries. He has served on multiple World Health Organization guideline development panels for various TB diagnostics, the Board of Advisors for the CDC TB Epidemiologic Studies Consortium and on the CDC Advisory Council on Elimination of Tuberculosis. In addition to research, he is involved in mentoring and training in global health and implementation science research.

Adithya Cattamanchi
MD, MAS

Project Leader
UCSF
adithya.cattamanchi@ucsf.edu

Dr. Nahid is Professor of Medicine, Director of Clinical Trials Operations in the UCSF Office of Research, Director of the UCSF CTSA Trials Innovation Network Hub, and Director of the UCSF Center for Tuberculosis. With over two decades of experience in global health research, he specializes in clinical trials and translational research focusing on TB and HIV/TB. In 2009, he co-founded the Vietnam National TB Program/UCSF Research Collaboration Unit, launching partnerships with the Vietnam National Lung Hospital, Hanoi Lung Hospital, and Pham Ngoc Thach Hospital in support of equitable international research activities in global health.

Payam Nahid
MD, MPH

Project Leader
UCSF
pnahid@ucsf.edu

Seda is a molecular biologist with postgraduate training in molecular life sciences (MSc, PhD) and global health (MSc) from the University of Geneva, Switzerland. She worked at FIND, the Global Alliance for Diagnostics, in various capacities from 2015 to 2021. She joined the Denkinger group in February 2021 as the technology lead for the NIH-funded R2D2 TB Network. She has experience and knowledge in infectious disease diagnostics, clinical research, and global health issues, especially in the areas of tuberculosis and malaria. 

Seda Yerlikaya
MSc, PhD

Technology Lead
Heidelberg University Hospital
seda.yerlikaya@uni-heidelberg.de

 
 

Sonal joined the R2D2 TB Network in September 2023 as a Technology Officer. She has a masters degree in Bioengineering and has previously worked as a scientist at molecular diagnostic start-ups in the US. Her background is in molecular biology and assay development, and she is passionate about bringing novel TB diagnostics to market.

Sonal Jain
MS

Technology Officer
Heidelberg University Hospital
sonal.jain@uni-heidelberg.de

Peter joined the R2D2 network in 2021 as a consultant. His professional career both in Public Health as well as in the Diagnostics Industry provides him with a rich background in understanding 'both sides of the coin'. His experience in the field of TB diagnostics stems from his former role at FIND Diagnostics as well as from his global responsibilities for TB at Roche Diagnostics and bioMérieux. As a retired IVD expert he continues to provide advice to a number of global players, start-up companies and service providers.

Tobi is a Technology Expert and has 10 years of experience in IVD test development. He led several TB product developments during his time at FINDDx including a major programme on Lipoarabinomann antigen detection for TB diagnosis. His goal is to help delivering people-centric diagnostic solutions with global impact.

Tobias Broger
MAS

Consultant
CTO and Co-Founder, Avelo
tobias.broger@avelolife.com

Peter Kaspar
PhD

Consultant
Magellan bioConsult
peter.kaspar@magellan-bioconsult.com

Chris joined the R2D2 TB Network in March 2021 as a Technology Scouting Consultant. As a digital health specialist he has helped numerous organisations to implement innovative solutions and to harness the power of health data to save lives and eradicate disease. Chris is CEO of Connected Diagnostics Ltd, a specialist consultancy helping manufacturers of medical diagnostics to implement connectivity.

Chris Isaacs

Consultant
CEO and Founder, Connected Diagnostics
chris.isaacs@connected-dx.com