RAPID Overview
The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) has issued a new Request for Information (RFI) titled “Rapid Antibody Production for Immunoassay Diagnostics (RAPID)”. Through this RFI, BARDA seeks to more deeply understand causes of existing bottlenecks in the antibody generation process (design through production) and assess the R&D landscape for technologies to dramatically accelerate the discovery, validation, and production of antibodies and protein binders. The overarching goal of this RFI is to strengthen national preparedness by enabling rapid, flexible, and scalable diagnostic development capabilities that can respond to unknown biothreats and emerging pathogens in near-real time.
Building a Faster Path to Diagnostic Readiness
The months- to years-long timeline of traditional antibody development is untenable in the face of emerging infectious diseases or biothreats. Through the Rapid Response Partnership Vehicle (RRPV), BARDA aims to explore innovative methods and platforms that cut the antibody discovery-to-deployment timeline down to weeks.
RFI respondents do not have to be current RRPV members. RAPID invites stakeholders from industry, academia, and research organizations to share information about both end-to-end solutions and individual technological advances that could transform the antibody production process. Areas of particular interest include:
- AI/ML-accelerated discovery, design, and screening of of antibodies or protein binders;
- Closed-loop discovery pipelines that integrate computation, analytics, and automation;
- Rapid expression systems (cell-free, microbial, mammalian, or synthetic);
- Microfluidic or automated screening/characterization technologies; and
- Continuous or distributed manufacturing approaches.
Key Information
The RFI response deadline is 1:00 PM EST, December 4, 2025. Each response should address four key areas: an organizational overview, a technical overview (including identifying bottlenecks and explaining how the proposed solution overcomes them), infrastructure and capabilities, and an optional demonstration concept (including a suggested program structure, milestones, and performance metrics). Responses are limited to 8 pages or less for end-to-end solutions, or 6 pages or less for individual technologies.
All submissions are for information-gathering only. While this RFI does not constitute a formal solicitation or funding opportunity, it is a good opportunity to meet key decision makers and potentially help shape future solicitations; additionally, BARDA reserves the right to engage select respondents in follow-up interactions (such as market research calls).
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