Since 2016, CIDRAP has been engaged in the development of R&D roadmaps for four priority pathogens (Ebola/Marburg, Lassa, Nipah, and Zika viruses) identified in the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) Research and Development (R&D) Blueprint for Action to Prevent Epidemics. These roadmaps are focused on R&D of medical countermeasures (diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines) for each of the priority pathogens.
At the outset of the WHO R&D Blueprint Initiative, pathogen-specific R&D roadmaps were considered an integral component of the program. In 2022, the WHO revised its strategy for epidemic/pandemic preparedness, with a renewed focus on entire classes of viruses or bacteria rather than individual pathogens. However, pathogen-specific roadmaps are still highly valuable to inform future directions and investments in preparedness for pathogens with epidemic potential.
CIDRAP’s work in this area includes the following:
- Ebola / Marburg, Nipah, and Lassa viruses: From 2016 – 2018, CIDRAP worked with the WHO and Wellcome, with funding from Wellcome, to develop R&D roadmaps for Ebola / Marburg, Nipah, and Lassa viruses. Advanced drafts of those roadmaps can be found on the WHO website.
- Zika virus: From 2019 – 2021, CIDRAP worked with the WHO and the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), with funding from the WHO, to develop an R&D roadmap for Zika virus. (An advanced draft of the roadmap is available on the WHO website: Zika Virus Research and Development R&D) Roadmap: Advanced Draft. August 2021).
- Lassa and Nipah Virus: In 2023, CIDRAP, with funding from Wellcome, engaged expert working groups for Lassa fever and Nipah virus to update the 2019 versions of these two R&D roadmaps. The updates reflect recent literature and consensus opinion of the expert working groups. The updated 2024 roadmaps are available on the CIDRAP website:
- A Research and Development Roadmap for Lassa Fever: 2024 Update
- A Research and Development Roadmap for Nipah Virus: 2024 Update
WHO Roadmap Development Staff
