Some technologies are already proven to reduce infections
Another challenge in this field involves how to deploy already proven technologies, like air filtration and UV lights that can disinfect the air in rooms. The evidence base for physical air cleaners reducing infection is strong. But retrofitting buses, schools, and other places where people congregate with filtering systems is unwieldy and expensive.
“Part of our initiative is getting corporate partners to agree to [run] pilots and to give us feedback,” Petty says, by, for instance, testing out air filtration systems in their offices. Warby Parker, Mastercard, and JP Morgan are among the companies Intercept say they have enlisted as part of a “network of future buyers” that have expressed interest in exploring these technologies in the workplace.
Is 500 million enough?
It might sound like a lot of money, but “de-risking” drugs, as this strategy is called, is expensive. “Back of the envelope, Phase I and Phase II clinical trials are going to cost $20 to $30 million” per drug, estimates Samuel Scarpino, director of AI + life sciences at Northeastern University and a professor in the practice of health and computer sciences (who is not involved with Intercept). And the next step toward approval, conducting a Phase III trial, is even more expensive.