We embed ourselves in the communities we serve to understand their needs, challenges, and preferences and translate these insights into patient-centric solutions: molecular diagnostic systems, tests, and service and support programs. Diseases are not static, so we continuously challenge ourselves to improve existing offerings and to anticipate what the world will need five to ten years from now.

Pushing the envelope for TB diagnostics:

With every launch of a new TB test, Cepheid and its partners have redefined how TB is diagnosed and managed. Since 2006, Cepheid has collaborated with Rutgers University, Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) to harness academic discoveries and scale them for real-world use. The Xpert MTB/RIF* test launched in 2010 with funding support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. It was a first-of-its-kind molecular test, detecting TB and rifampicin resistance simultaneously. In 2017, Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra* improved on the original test by using detection technology that increased analytical sensitivity by 10-fold and improved detection of rifampicin-related mutations. Xpert MTB/XDR* launched in 2020 using new multiplexing technology to detect resistance to six first- and second-line drugs used for TB treatment.

Instruments and tests alone are not enough, so we strive to provide an ecosystem of awareness and educational initiatives, service, support, and delivery models to strengthen national diagnostic infrastructure.

Accelerating access to Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra:*

Starting in 2017, Cepheid worked with South Africa’s National Health Laboratory System (NHLS) to accelerate access to the new Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra* test. Cepheid’s local Field Application Specialists partnered with the NHLS’ National Priority Programs (NPP) team to make software upgrades required for the test across the instrument network, ensure data transmission into laboratory information systems (LIS) aligned with laboratory requirements, and conduct trainings. The trainings included “train the trainer” sessions for NPP staff, as well as lab employees. In total, Cepheid and NPP employees conducted 70 trainings for more than 200 labs, health centers, and mobile clinics.

We engage directly with donors, policymakers, governments, NGOs, communities, and patients to ensure our work supports global, national, and local health system and disease elimination goals.

Responding to the West African Ebola outbreak:

When the 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak began in West Africa, lack of rapid accurate diagnostics made it difficult to track the outbreak and implement community health measures. Shortly after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a Public Health Emergency, Cepheid began development of the Xpert Ebola test with a grant from the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The first Xpert Ebola tests reached health facilities in June 2015, leveraging the existing GeneXpert systems in Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Liberia. Emergency response teams in the field deployed Xpert Ebola for surveillance and diagnosis, establishing detection centers near zones of transmission to prevent further spread.

We speak up for policies and public health initiatives that increase access to molecular testing and reduce health disparities.

Bringing private sector perspective to global disease elimination goals:

Cepheid is a member of the Global Fund and Stop TB Partnership Private Sector Constituencies. In these forums, Cepheid advocates for inclusion of high-quality diagnostics and patient-centered care in global disease elimination plans. The Stop TB Partnership Private Sector Constituency has released white papers on topics including connectivity, sustainable investment, and resilient health systems.