Editor’s Note: This post is part of a COVID-19 success stories series. 

The DOD’s Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND) utilized its existing Medical CBRN Defense Consortium (MCDC) OTA to quickly respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the early days of the coronavirus threat, the JPEO-CBRND, HHS, and other DoD entities identified a high-priority need for diagnostic testing equipment.

MCDC member Cepheid developed a COVID-19 test platform that could provide clinical diagnostic test results in 45 minutes, compared to several hours. This shorter test time meant that more people could get tested, and those tested would receive their results sooner. The enormity of the threat called for a rapid response, and the MCDC OTA was a key factor in supporting an accelerated solution to help expand COVID-19 testing.

About MCDC:

MCDC focuses on innovative, safe, and effective medical solutions to counter CBRN threats. MCDC accelerates the Department of Defense’s fielding of prototypes for medical countermeasures to enhance the mission effectiveness of military personnel.