Varro Life Sciences, a biotechnology company developing biosensor devices for detection and monitoring of infectious diseases, announced that it is expanding in St. Louis, investing $42.5 million and creating 33 new jobs. The company’s expansion includes the establishment of a lab and research and development facility in the Cortex Innovation District.
Varro was founded in 2020 and was formerly known as Y2X Life Sciences. Today, Varro is headquartered in St. Louis and expanding with a focus on research, development, and manufacturing of biosensor technologies. The company is led by an experienced team with deep expertise in diagnostics, life sciences, and commercialization, with a proven track record of FDA approvals, successful exits, and scientific innovation.
“We are thrilled to expand our footprint in St. Louis,” said Tom Cirrito, PhD, co-founder and CEO of Varro. “This city offers a diverse and educated workforce, world-class research institutions such as Washington University in St. Louis, and an entrepreneurial spirit that make it an ideal home for Varro’s growth. Our new facility at Cortex will hasten the development and deployment of our two next-generation biosensor devices that can improve human health and better prepare the world for future infectious disease threats.”
Varro is developing two devices based on its proprietary biosensor platform: a Breath-Based Diagnostic and Pathogen Air Biodetector. The Breath-Based Diagnostic offers highly sensitive and specific breath-based diagnostics, delivering results within 60 seconds with the sensitivity of PCR tests. It is designed for use by untrained personnel, such as pharmacy technicians or military medics. The Pathogen Air Biodetector detects airborne pathogens in indoor environments with high sensitivity and speed to prevent disease transmission.
“DED is thrilled to support innovators like Varro Life Sciences as they forge new paths and contribute to our vibrant biotech industry,” said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Department of Economic Development. “Companies like Varro Life Sciences are investing in their communities, developing groundbreaking technology, and helping Missourians prosper.”
Varro’s technology was developed through collaboration with researchers at Washington University in St. Louis and has received support from the National Institutes of Health and FluLab, an organization dedicated to the prevention and treatment of influenza. The company is also supported by global advisors from public health, government, and industry. These partnerships have positioned Varro to advance a new standard in real-time pathogen detection and diagnostics.
