In January 2024, WHO and the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) signed a license agreement with SD Biosensor, Inc. (SDB), a global in-vitro diagnostic company, to provide sublicensees with the right, know-how and material to manufacture SDB’s rapid diagnostic testing (RDT) technology. The transparent, non-exclusive license agreement, negotiated under the auspices of the COVID-19 Technology Access Pool (C-TAP), represents an important milestone in the evolution of the C-TAP initiative as it enables the manufacture of diagnostics for COVID-19 as well as other diseases such as HIV, malaria and syphilis.


WHO/MPP invites interested manufacturers based anywhere in the world to express their interest in obtaining a sublicence by completing the online application form.
To support the preparation of the application, refer to the following document with the call for application questions (link to the PDF shared) before completing the online application. 
Deadline for application: 31 May 2024 (23:59 CET)
Applications can only be submitted via the e-form.
For any queries, send an email to HTAPsublicenses@who.int
Key Features
Aim of the Licence

To facilitate local manufacture and the development of RDTs for COVID-19 and other diseases.

Products

Any RDT product based on the Licensed Technology, including without limitation the Standard Q COVID-19 Ag Test.

Licensed Technology

SDB to provide rights to SDB Patents, Material and Know-How that are useful or otherwise relevant for manufacturing of RDT including without limitation for COVID-19 and other RDTs in the Field.

Field of use

Detection of any antigen, including without limitation for SARS-Cov-2.

Territory

Worldwide, except the countries where SDB production plants are located: Brazil, India, Indonesia, Korea, and Panama.

Scope of the grant

Non-exclusive right under the Licensed Technology for MPP to grant sublicences to develop, make and sell the Products, commercialise, and sell the Product for use in the Territory and in the Field.

Royalties Royalty rates apply on the net sales of the Products where there is a patent right granted and in force in the country of manufacture or sale as follows:

  • royalty free for LMICs;
  • a royalty of 15% for HICs.
Term

Continuing until, (i) for the countries where exist a Patent Right, the date the last patent right has lapsed, expired, or been invalidated or (ii) for the countries without Patent Rights, which is valid and in force, for a term of ten (10) years.

Country List