NIH RADx initiative advances new COVID-19 testing technologies

The six new Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx) initiative contracts a total of $98.35 million for point-of-care and other novel testing approaches. They provide new modes of sample collection, processing, and return of results. Smart device integration, mobile-lab processing, and minute-ready test results are just some of the innovations to expect.

The NIH launched RADx to speed innovation in the development, commercialization, and implementation of technologies for COVID-19 testing.

According to the RADx initiative webpage, it is "a national call for scientists and organizations to bring their innovative ideas for new COVID-19 testing approaches and strategies. Funded projects include new applications of existing technologies that make tests easier to use, easier to access, and more accurate."

“Since launching in April, the NIH RADx initiative has moved swiftly to facilitate critical expansion of early and late-stage testing technologies as well as research to remove barriers to testing for underserved and vulnerable populations,” said NIH Director Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D in a recent press release. “Each of the technologies emerging from the RADx initiative will play a critical role in extending accessibility to testing in diverse settings.”

View the latest funding related to the RADx initiative here.