The Lancet: CEPI — a new global R&D organization for epidemic preparedness and response
John-Arne Røttingen, interim chief executive officer of CEPI, and colleagues representing governments and foundations who are investing in CEPI

“…[The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI)] has two main objectives: to advance vaccine candidates against priority pathogens and to build technical and institutional platforms that accelerate the R&D response to known or unknown pathogen emergencies. … This emphasis on preventing and preparing for outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics comes at a time when globalization, urbanization, and environmental and climate change mean that infectious diseases are increasingly global threats that respect no borders. Health protection is therefore dependent on investing collectively in global health security. … We represent the first public and philanthropic funders to invest in CEPI. We have so far collectively committed about US$460 million to a pooled fund … However, more investors are needed — both to reach the US$1 billion over five years that would enable CEPI to realize this first phase of its mission, and because the initiative will be most successful with participation from countries of all sizes, geographical regions, and levels of economic development. … CEPI will fill this gap in global health R&D, and we welcome more partners — both investors and implementers” (1/18).