Cepheid Selected by CDC as National Collaborator, Advancing Rapid Diagnostic Innovation to Strengthen U.S. Pandemic Preparedness

Rhea-AI Summary

Cepheid (NASDAQ: CPHD) was selected by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as one of four national collaborators under a new federal IDIQ awarded Feb 18, 2026 to speed rapid diagnostic development for public health emergencies.

The collaboration gives Cepheid early access to outbreak samples, genomic sequences, and reference materials to accelerate next‑generation assay development and deployment.

Positive

• Selected as CDC national collaborator under an IDIQ contract (Feb 18, 2026)
• Early access to samples and genomic sequences to speed assay development
• Demonstrated rapid assay capability (first U.S. point‑of‑care PCR for SARS‑CoV‑2 during COVID‑19)

Negative

• None.

Key Figures

National collaborators: 4 collaborators FDA EUA date: March 21, 2020 CDC contract reference date: September 2, 2024 +1 more

4 metrics

National collaborators 4 collaborators CDC federal initiative for rapid diagnostics

FDA EUA date March 21, 2020 First Emergency Use Authorization for point-of-care SARS-CoV-2 PCR test

CDC contract reference date September 2, 2024 CDC.gov contract types reference for IDIQ explanation

Accessed date (CDC ref) February 2026 Access date for CDC.gov contract types reference

Market Reality Check

Vol: Volume 0 vs 20-day averag...

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Volume Volume 0 vs 20-day average of 1,600,211 shares before this news. normal

Technical Recorded price 0 versus 200-day MA of 36.22 ahead of the announcement.

Peers on Argus

No peers appeared in the momentum scanner and no same-day peer headlines were re...

No peers appeared in the momentum scanner and no same-day peer headlines were recorded, suggesting stock-specific context rather than a sector move.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement highlights Cepheid’s selection by the CDC as one of four national collaborators to...

Analysis

This announcement highlights Cepheid’s selection by the CDC as one of four national collaborators to accelerate rapid diagnostic development during public health emergencies. The collaboration provides early access to outbreak samples and genomic sequences, building on its rapid SARS-CoV-2 point-of-care PCR EUA from March 21, 2020. Investors may monitor how task orders under the IDIQ structure evolve, the breadth of future assay programs, and ongoing regulatory status of key tests across U.S. and CE-IVD markets.

Key Terms

indefinite delivery-indefinite quantity (idiq), pcr, emergency use authorization, in vitro diagnostic, +2 more

6 terms

indefinite delivery-indefinite quantity (idiq) financial

"The award—issued under a multiple-award Indefinite Delivery-Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ)1 contract—"

A contract type used mainly in government and large institutional purchasing that guarantees a supplier may receive orders over a set period without specifying exact quantities up front. Think of it like a store giving a baker a standing agreement to supply bread as needed, with minimum and maximum limits; it gives the seller a potential steady revenue stream but with uncertain order size. Investors watch IDIQ awards because they can create predictable backlog, recurring sales, and growth visibility while leaving volume and timing flexible.

pcr medical

"Cepheid's integrated PCR systems are designed to deliver fast, accurate results"

PCR (polymerase chain reaction) is a laboratory method that makes many copies of a tiny piece of genetic material (DNA or RNA) so scientists can detect and study it reliably — think of photocopying a faint, tiny note until the words are easy to read. For investors, PCR matters because it underpins diagnostic tests, drug development, and biotech tools whose sales, regulatory approvals, and real-world use can materially affect company revenues and market perceptions during health events or product launches.

emergency use authorization regulatory

"Xpert Flu, Xpert Xpress CoV2 plus... were originally available under U.S. FDA Emergency Use Authorization."

A regulatory emergency use authorization allows a government health agency to temporarily permit the use or sale of a medical product—such as a vaccine, test, or treatment—before full formal approval when there is a public health crisis. For investors, an authorization can rapidly open revenue and market access while carrying higher regulatory and demand risk, like a fast-track pass that speeds a product to customers but may still require further review and can affect a company's valuation and future sales prospects.

in vitro diagnostic medical

"Xpert tests are IVD. In vitro diagnostic medical devices."

In vitro diagnostics are tests, instruments and kits used to analyze samples taken from the body—such as blood, urine or swabs—outside the body (in a lab or cartridge) to detect disease, infections, genetic traits or other biological signs. Investors care because these products generate sales, recurring revenue from consumable test kits, and value that hinges on test accuracy, regulatory approvals and reimbursement policies; like a home pregnancy test but for many medical conditions.

ivd medical

"Xpert tests are IVD. In vitro diagnostic medical devices."

IVD stands for in vitro diagnostic — tests, instruments and kits that analyze samples taken from the body (blood, saliva, tissue) outside the body, such as lab assays or home pregnancy tests. Investors watch IVDs because they drive recurring sales, depend on regulatory approval and insurance coverage to reach markets, and differences in accuracy, cost or availability can quickly affect a maker’s revenue and legal risk.

ce-ivd regulatory

"These tests were subsequently cleared/marked as U.S.- and CE-IVD."

CE‑IVD is the European conformity mark showing that an in vitro diagnostic device — a medical test used on samples like blood or tissue — meets the EU’s safety and performance requirements for sale. For investors, it’s like a stamped passport that opens access to EU markets, signaling lower regulatory risk, broader commercial potential, and a clearer path to revenue for companies that make diagnostic tests.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

SUNNYVALE, Calif. , Feb. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Cepheid today announced that it has been selected by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as one of four national collaborators under a new federal initiative designed to accelerate the development and deployment of rapid diagnostic technologies during public health emergencies. The award—issued under a multiple-award Indefinite Delivery-Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ)¹ contract—reinforces Cepheid's longstanding leadership in outbreak response and its commitment to bolstering the nation's pandemic readiness. 

Through this collaboration, CDC can provide Cepheid with early access to outbreak samples, genomic sequences, and critical reference materials. This access aims to help close development gaps during early pathogen emergence and accelerate the creation of next-generation diagnostic assays, ensuring that rapid, accurate testing can be deployed quickly when new threats arise. 

"For years, Cepheid has been at the forefront of outbreak response," said Vitor Rocha, President of Cepheid. "We are honored to be selected by CDC for this IDIQ award for rapid, scalable diagnostics, and we are confident the collaboration can leverage our pioneering technology and global footprint to help public health systems respond swiftly and effectively to emerging challenges." 

Accelerating Diagnostic Readiness for Future Threats
Cepheid's integrated PCR systems are designed to deliver fast, accurate results wherever testing is needed—from major health systems to remote settings. By supporting real-time surveillance, early detection, and evidence-based decision-making, Cepheid's innovations help fortify public health infrastructure and expand rapid response capabilities globally. 

"Cepheid has proven we can reliably deliver quality molecular diagnostics when they're needed most," said Larry Kelmar, Vice President, Government Programs and Pharma Collaborations at Cepheid. "Working closely with partners like the CDC strengthens our ability to rapidly respond to new outbreaks and safeguard communities with advanced, high-impact testing solutions." 

Cepheid's legacy of rapid assay development was exemplified during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the company launched the first point-of-care PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 in the United States² within weeks of the viral sequence being published. This milestone demonstrated the company's ability to compress development timelines without compromising accuracy or quality—capabilities that remain central to its role in national emergency preparedness. 

Supporting a Stronger Public Health Future
As part of this multi-award IDIQ framework, Cepheid will contribute to a coordinated national effort to modernize outbreak detection, accelerate diagnostic innovation, and ensure testing remains agile in the face of evolving threats. This collaboration underscores the importance of public-private partnerships for rapid scaling, scientific advancement, and operational readiness. 

"We remain committed to developing transformative diagnostics that empower healthcare providers and protect public health nationwide," added Kelmar. "CDC's selection reflects not only our technical expertise but also the critical need for sustained collaboration to ensure the country is ready for whatever comes next." 

For more information about Cepheid's diagnostic systems and tests, visit www.cepheid.com. 

References:

1. IDIQ. Flexible government procurement tool used when the agency has a recurring need for supplies or services but cannot predetermine the exact quantities or delivery schedules upfront. CDC.gov Contract Types. September 2, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/contracts/about/types.html. Accessed Feb 2026. 
2. FDA News Release. Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: FDA Issues First Emergency Use Authorization for Point of Care Diagnostic. March 21, 2020. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-issues-first-emergency-use-authorization-point-care-diagnostic  Accessed Feb 2026.

Regulatory Status Statements:
Xpert tests are IVD. In vitro diagnostic medical devices.
Not all tests shown in the historical timeline are commercially available. Tests may not be registered in all regions.
Xpert Flu, Xpert Xpress CoV2 plus, and Xpert Xpress CoV/Flu/RSV plus were originally available under U.S. FDA Emergency Use Authorization. These tests were subsequently cleared/marked as U.S.- and CE-IVD.
Xpert Ebola is available under U.S. FDA Emergency Use Authorization only.
Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra and Xpert MTB/XDR are CE-IVD, not available in the U.S.

About Cepheid
Cepheid is dedicated to improving healthcare by pioneering molecular diagnostics that combine speed, accuracy, and flexibility. The company's GeneXpert^® systems and Xpert^® tests automate highly complex and time-consuming manual procedures, providing A Better Way for institutions of any size to perform world-class PCR testing. Cepheid's broad test portfolio spans respiratory infections, blood virology, women's and sexual health, TB and emerging infectious diseases, healthcare-associated infectious diseases, oncology, and human genetics. The company's solutions deliver actionable results where they are needed most—from central laboratories and hospitals to near-patient settings. For more information, visit http://www.cepheid.com.

For Cepheid Media Inquiries:
media.communications@cepheid.com

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SOURCE Cepheid

FAQ

What does CDC selecting Cepheid (CPHD) as an IDIQ collaborator mean for investors?

It signals federal recognition of Cepheid's diagnostic capabilities and potential contract opportunities. According to Cepheid, the award provides early access to outbreak samples and materials to accelerate assay development, which could increase government program engagement without immediate financial details disclosed.

How will the Feb 18, 2026 Cepheid and CDC collaboration speed diagnostic readiness?

It enables faster assay development through prioritized access to critical outbreak data and materials. According to Cepheid, access to samples, genomic sequences, and reference materials aims to close development gaps during early pathogen emergence and shorten deployment timelines.

Which diagnostic strengths does Cepheid (CPHD) bring to the CDC IDIQ collaboration?

Cepheid brings integrated PCR systems and rapid assay development experience to outbreak response. According to Cepheid, its point‑of‑care PCR history and global footprint support scalable, accurate testing across clinical and remote settings.

Does the Cepheid (CPHD) announcement on Feb 18, 2026 include financial guidance or contract value?

No specific financial terms or guidance were disclosed in the announcement. According to Cepheid, the award is an IDIQ multiple‑award contract; exact quantities, schedules, and values are not predetermined under IDIQ frameworks.

How did Cepheid demonstrate rapid development capability during the COVID‑19 pandemic?

Cepheid launched the first U.S. point‑of‑care PCR test for SARS‑CoV‑2 within weeks of the viral sequence being published. According to Cepheid, this milestone compressed development timelines while maintaining accuracy and quality, illustrating outbreak responsiveness.