The molecular diagnostics company will help accelerate creation of testing assays during public health emergencies under new federal initiative.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has selected Cepheid as one of four national collaborators under a new federal initiative designed to accelerate rapid diagnostic technology development and deployment during public health emergencies.
The award was issued under a multiple-award Indefinite Delivery-Indefinite Quantity contract and builds on Cepheid’s role in outbreak response and pandemic preparedness efforts.
Through this collaboration, the CDC can provide Cepheid with early access to outbreak samples, genomic sequences, and critical reference materials. This access aims to help close development gaps during early pathogen emergence and accelerate the creation of next-generation diagnostic assays, ensuring rapid, accurate testing can be deployed quickly when new threats arise.
“For years, Cepheid has been at the forefront of outbreak response,” says Vitor Rocha, president of Cepheid, in a release. “We are honored to be selected by CDC for this IDIQ award for rapid, scalable diagnostics, and we are confident the collaboration can leverage our pioneering technology and global footprint to help public health systems respond swiftly and effectively to emerging challenges.”
Proven Track Record in Emergency Response
Cepheid’s integrated PCR systems deliver results in settings ranging from major health systems to remote locations. The company demonstrated its rapid development capabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic, launching the first point-of-care PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 in the US within weeks of the viral sequence being published.
The Sunnyvale, California-based company’s GeneXpert systems and Xpert tests automate complex manual procedures for molecular diagnostics. Its test portfolio spans respiratory infections, blood virology, women’s and sexual health, tuberculosis and emerging infectious diseases, healthcare-associated infections, oncology, and human genetics.
“Cepheid has proven we can reliably deliver quality molecular diagnostics when they’re needed most,” says Larry Kelmar, vice president of government programs and pharma collaborations at Cepheid, in a release. “Working closely with partners like the CDC strengthens our ability to rapidly respond to new outbreaks and safeguard communities with advanced, high-impact testing solutions.”
Supporting National Preparedness Framework
As part of the multi-award IDIQ framework, Cepheid will contribute to a coordinated national effort to modernize outbreak detection, accelerate diagnostic innovation, and ensure testing remains agile against evolving threats. The collaboration emphasizes the role of public-private partnerships in rapid scaling, scientific advancement, and operational readiness.
The initiative supports real-time surveillance, early detection, and evidence-based decision-making to help fortify public health infrastructure and expand rapid response capabilities.
“We remain committed to developing transformative diagnostics that empower healthcare providers and protect public health nationwide,” says Kelmar in a release. “CDC’s selection reflects not only our technical expertise but also the critical need for sustained collaboration to ensure the country is ready for whatever comes next.”
Photo caption: Timeline of Cepheid Tests Developed for Outbreak Response
Photo credit: Cepheid
