Sapphiros announced it has been awarded a multi-year project agreement through the Rapid Response Partnership Vehicle, a consortium funded by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, part of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to advance rapid, portable, connected molecular diagnostic platforms for detection of biothreats and emerging infectious diseases.
The agreement includes a 24-month base period to support continued development of Sapphiros’ proprietary molecular diagnostics platform, with a focus on enabling rapid detection of priority biothreat pathogens in point-of-care and decentralized settings. The program is designed to advance disposable molecular testing capabilities for blood-based pathogens that can deliver laboratory-quality results through a simple, automated workflow, and to ensure biosafety, the Sapphiros molecular device utilizes a novel, closed blood collection tube that eliminates the risk of blood-borne contamination during sample transfer to the device.
The program leverages Satio’s integrated capillary blood collection system to facilitate phlebotomist-free blood collection at the point of need. Satio has developed a single-use collection device equipped with an integrated safety lancet, designed to minimize user handling and biohazard exposure while ensuring consistent sample volumes for reliable testing in emergency response and field settings. This funding marks Sapphiros’ second agreement with BARDA, following a previously announced agreement to develop an over-the-counter, single-use, low-cost digital antigen test capable of detecting and differentiating respiratory viruses.
Sapphiros, backed by KKR and Neoenta, is a privately held consumer diagnostics company developing accessible, affordable, and scalable health technologies, with a portfolio spanning sample collection, next-generation diagnostics, and extreme-volume manufacturing capabilities.
KEY QUOTE:
“Our program reflects the urgent need for diagnostic technologies that can move quickly from outbreak recognition to field deployment.”
“By combining connected, disposable molecular platform and innovative blood collection approach, we aim to deliver rapid, reliable testing solutions that can support clinicians, public health responders and communities during biological threats and emerging health emergencies.”
Mark Gladwell, CEO, Sapphiros
