2020-04-29 10:23Press release

New COVID-19 diagnostics start-up accepted into SmiLe

Viraspec AB ("Viraspec") announces today that the company has been accepted to the SmiLe Incubator (“SmiLe”) in Lund, Sweden. Viraspec is a newly formed start-up committed to accelerating the development of a cost-effective and rapid diagnostic test for COVID-19 that provides results in roughly 5 minutes and will be suitable for at-home use.

Viraspec was founded in March of 2020 by a group of experienced entrepreneurs in the biotechnology, diagnostics and start-up space in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The company is committed to

developing and commercialising a novel rapid diagnostic test for COVID-19 that is faster, less expensive, easier to use, more reliable, more accurate, and able to triage risk groups and those needing immunisation. Much like a pregnancy test, Viraspec’s test will also be suitable for at-home use and is based on a lateral flow assay, however in this case using a drop of blood. What is unique with the test is that it can measure both the COVID-19 antibody as well as a persons ability to manage the viral load, and thus can be considered more informative.

Robert Porter, CEO for Viraspec, comments “Basing Viraspec in SmiLe will provide the necessary environment and resources to accelerate our time to market, and will give us access to key networks in the healthcare space to validate our technology. Time is of the essence with any pandemic and we are confident that our association with SmiLe will play a decisive roll in helping us quickly bring our novel COVID-19 diagnostic test into hands of people. Being able to rapidily and reliably test and monitor those who need medical assistance versus a vaccine or self isolation, will create the transparency needed to build confidence among people and return to a normal life. Looking to the future we will keep a keen eye out for future pandemic threats and other viral infections and use our experience to swiftly provide a rapid test to necessary areas.” 

Ebba Fåhraeus, CEO for SmiLe, comments “I am very happy to welcome Viraspec into SmiLe and look forward to following the company’s progress as they develop a much needed diagnostic test for the COVID-19 pandemic. Since Virospec´s  diagnostic test can measure the COVID-19 antibody as well as a person’s ability to manage the viral load, this will prove to be a very useful triage tool, especially as governments begin to lift quarantine restrictions and attempt to restart economic activity.”

For further information:
Viraspec AB
Robert Porter, CEO
Tel: +44 7597 399832
E-mail: info@viraspec.com

Viraspec AB is developing and commercialising a novel rapid diagnostic test for COVID-19 that is faster, less expensive, easier to use, more reliable, more accurate, and able to triage risk groups and those needing immunisation. www.viraspec.com

 


Language: English

About SmiLe Venture Hub – Pioneering Life Science Innovations

SmiLe is a life science business incubator based in Medicon Village in Lund. SmiLe Incubator helps entrepreneurs to commercialize their ideas. There are currently more than 20 companies in SmiLe, which together with alumni companies, have attracted more than EUR 280 million in venture capital to date since 2014. SmiLe offers business coaching, a large network of contacts and a dynamic community, as well as many well-equipped laboratories, which is unique of its kind in Sweden. SmiLe is a non-profit organization and receives basic funding from Region Skåne, Lund Municipality, Lund University and Medicon Village. SmiLe´s sponsors are Sparbanken Skåne, Awa, Høiberg, Prevas, Setterwalls, Zacco, Aqilion. SmiLe’s listed alumni companies have a market capitalization of almost EUR 750 million (Q4 2019). www.smileincubator.life