Varro Life Sciences expands in St. Louis, investing $42.5 million and creating 33 new jobs

Varro Life Sciences, a biotechnology company developing biosensor devices for detection and monitoring of infectious diseases, announced today 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 state-of-the-art lab and research and development facility in the Cortex Innovation District.

"Varro Life Science's expansion further reinforces St. Louis' status as a leading hub for innovative employers," said Governor Mike Kehoe. "This company's expertise and dedication to lifesaving technology make it a welcome part of our state's growing high-tech sector. We're proud to see Varro Life Sciences growing in St. Louis and look forward to its ongoing success."

Varro's mission is to disrupt disease transmission through innovative products with a global impact across economic and cultural boundaries. The company was founded 2020 and 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.

New jobs added as part of Varro Life Sciences' expansion will pay an average wage well above the city and county averages.

For this expansion, Varro Life Sciences will benefit from the Missouri Works program, a tool that helps companies expand and retain workers by providing access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for job creation.

What others are saying

"Varro's decision to establish headquarters here reinforces Cortex's position as a premier destination for pioneering biotech and life sciences companies," said Sam Fiorello, President and CEO of Cortex Innovation District. "This investment not only brings cutting-edge research and high-quality jobs to St. Louis, but also strengthens the collaborative ecosystem that defines our innovation community."

About Varro Life Sciences

Varro Life Sciences (Varro) is an innovative health-tech company developing products to detect airborne pathogens in real time in order to disrupt the transmission of infectious disease. Founded in 2020, the company's vision is to reduce the impact of future disease outbreaks.

To learn more about Varro Life Sciences, visit varrobio.com.

About the Missouri Department of Economic Development

The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) works to create an environment that encourages economic growth by supporting Missouri's businesses and diverse industries, strengthening our communities, developing a talented and skilled workforce, and maintaining a high quality of life. As one team built around the customer and driven by data, DED aspires to be the best economic development department in the Midwest. Through its various initiatives, DED is helping create opportunities for Missourians to prosper.

For the latest updates on DED's current or future programs and initiatives, visit DED's website.

About the Missouri Works Program

As the state's number one incentive tool for expansion and retention, the Missouri Works Program helps businesses access capital through withholdings or tax credits to embark on facility expansions and create jobs. This program can also help businesses purchase equipment to maintain its facility in Missouri.