Message from the CEO

Dr. Giorgio Roscigno, Chief Executive Officer

FIND grew out of the realization that if the increasing worldwide prevalence of tuberculosis were to be stemmed, it would require more than just new drugs. The existing diagnostic tools were not up to the job and new discovery and development were urgently needed. And so in May 2003, with the full support of the WHO and the strong backing of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, we set down our first milestone.

Our initial strategy was to prioritize problems, such as the diagnostic needs for TB based on epidemiological indicators. So we looked for companies whose portfolios included promising candidates for case detection, drug susceptibility and detection of latent TB infection. Today we have evolved from a disease epidemiology towards a patient centered approach which caters to all levels where healthcare is delivered. This has enabled us to work on the basis of “technology platforms” which allow solutions to be applied to more than one disease.

As we move forward, we will continue to focus on the current portfolio covering TB, African sleeping sickness and malaria and to move our projects further down the pipeline. However, we remain convinced that the development of point of care platforms will provide us with the potential to extend our scope into diseases such as leishmaniasis, HIV and others.

FIND operates as a catalyst, building local partnerships and ensuring that our contribution retains maximum relevance to local conditions. We have signed agreements with the governments of India, Lesotho, Ethiopia and Uganda covering both the policy level as well as the strengthening of technical capacity. Through this presence at country level we are able to learn lessons and ensure the continued relevance and value of our contribution.

As our partners are discovering, our approach is delivering results, and together we enjoy the satisfaction of watching the fruits of our collaborations begin to find their way onto the front lines of the battle against infectious diseases. The first wave of faster, simpler and cost-effective diagnostic tools is already making an impact in the developing world and exciting new products are in the late stage of development. This is an inspiration for all of us to continue our commitment to our mission.

At this point I can pledge FIND’s ongoing and relentless pursuit of more and better diagnostic solutions and their incorporation into the global effort to make the world a better place. On this note, I am confident in stating that even in the wake of the tremendous progress and success that FIND has enjoyed over the past five years, the best is truly yet to come.

Dr. Giorgio Roscigno,
Chief Executive Officer