Ginkgo Bioworks Partners with HaDEA in Up to €24 Million Consortium Project to Deliver Next-Generation 'Agnostic Diagnostics' for Respiratory Viruses at the Point of Care

Core Insights - Ginkgo Bioworks has announced a collaboration with the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) to develop rapid metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) solutions for identifying respiratory pathogens, with funding of up to €24 million over four years [1][2][6] Group 1: Project Overview - The project, named RApid Next Generation Sequencing for Effective Medical Response (RANGER), aims to create a point-of-care mNGS solution that allows for rapid diagnostics of respiratory viruses, potentially transforming the diagnostic landscape [2][3] - The device is designed to provide a turnaround time of 6 hours, enabling hospitals to triage patients more effectively and reduce the burden of prolonged isolation and costly inpatient stays [3][6] Group 2: Technological Capabilities - The RANGER device will utilize "agnostic diagnostics," allowing it to sequence and identify virtually any respiratory pathogen, which enhances pandemic preparedness [4][6] - The program includes the option for the European Commission to procure 200 devices at preferred pricing, facilitating widespread deployment across EU/EEA healthcare systems [4] Group 3: Implementation Phases - The project will be executed in three phases, starting with the integration of existing technologies into a benchtop device, followed by clinical trials in EU hospitals, and concluding with securing EU certification for the device [5][6] Group 4: Strategic Alignment - This collaboration aligns with HERA's mission to strengthen Europe's capacity to respond to health emergencies by enhancing diagnostic capabilities and reducing delays in pathogen identification [6][7] - The initiative is expected to improve hospital triage, infection control, and provide early-warning tools against emerging pathogens, reinforcing the EU's health resilience [6][8]