Intercept Fund – Eliminating respiratory infection

- The Intercept Fund is a philanthropic investment fund focused on eliminating respiratory infections as a major cause of death. It funds research, advocacy, and technology development aimed at preventing and treating diseases like pneumonia, influenza, COVID-19, and RSV. - The fund operates at the intersection of philanthropy and venture capital, using a "grant + investment" model: it provides grants to non-profits while also making equity investments in for-profit biotech companies working on vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics. - It was launched by a group of wealthy donors (including technology and finance figures) who believe that respiratory infections, which kill millions annually (especially children and the elderly in low-income countries), are a neglected global health priority that can be dramatically reduced with targeted funding. - The Fund's approach is modeled on successful "catalytic philanthropy" efforts such as the fight against HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis — but applied specifically to acute respiratory infections, which remain the leading infectious cause of death worldwide.