The GeneXpert diagnostic testing technology from the US corporation Cepheid, and its parent company Danaher, has revolutionised rapid, accurate diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) and other diseases, since entering the market in 2010. Yet, due to the high cost of the GeneXpert test cartridges, many countries are not able to scale up testing for all people who need lifesaving diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
The “Time for $5” campaign calls on Cepheid and its parent corporation, Danaher, to prioritise people over profits and reduce the price of GeneXpert tests to $5
Delays in supply of the critical GeneXpert TB test are unacceptable. Now more than ever, we need a doubling down on urgent actions to help countries scale up lifesaving TB testing.
Following a roundtable discussion with funders, governments and other procurers, a set of principles has been developed to enable better outcomes to negotiations with diagnostic manufacturers.