DNDi acts as a conductor of a ‘virtual orchestra’ of over 200 partners around the world to develop treatments for patients – not profits. By bringing together the public, private, academic, non-profit, and philanthropic sectors, we leverage the unique expertise of each partner to drive innovation for neglected populations.
Our not-for-profit R&D model follows six main principles
Needs-driven
We ensure all of our work is rooted in the medical needs of the people we serve – from defining the characteristics needed for new treatments to discovering and developing new drugs and ensuring they are accessible and affordable.
Independent
We maintain DNDi’s scientific and financial independence in order to set priorities and make decisions according to the best science and the imperative of patients’ needs.
Collaborative, open & transparent
We are committed to sharing research data, knowledge, and costs – and we believe publicly or philanthropically funded R&D ought to be carried out in the public interest and shared as broadly and equitably as possible.
Globally networked
We foster R&D by facilitating scientific exchange, utilising and strengthening research capacity, and nourishing innovation networks – particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Access-oriented
We make sure the treatments we develop are affordable, available, and adapted to the communities who need them most.
Transformative
We pilot and incubate new approaches to innovation, encourage public leadership, and engage as an informed advocate for a more effective and equitable biomedical R&D system.
A dynamic portfolio
In order to be able to respond to the constant evolution of public health needs, we have adopted a “dynamic portfolio” approach, which allows us to take on new disease areas with various operating models, while delivering on our objectives in diseases that we have worked on since our early days as a public interest R&D organization.
This approach has enabled DNDi to work on better treatments for mycetoma, paediatric HIV, hepatitis C, and cryptococcal meningitis. It also allows us to contribute through a variety of support models to help meet neglected patients’ needs, from advising on target product profiles and research agendas to coordinating and hosting new partnerships and initiatives.
Our policies
We strive to hold ourselves to the highest standards of accountability, transparency, ethics, and best practice in all we do.
Theory of Change
DNDi’s Theory of Change is a strategic framework that outlines how our teams and partners work to achieve our mission of delivering life-saving treatments for neglected patients.
Informed at every step by the needs of neglected people and communities, the roadmap connects DNDi’s activities to the outcomes of our work and our contribution to ensuring better health for neglected populations, expanding universal health coverage, controlling and eliminating diseases, and building more equitable R&D ecosystems.
DNDi utilizes a detailed version of the Theory of Change to facilitate strategic prioritization and the development of indicators for monitoring and evaluation of our programmes.
Latest publications
Stay connected
Get our latest news, personal stories, research articles, and job opportunities.
