Rutgers University-New Brunswick has spun out Infinity Biologix with backing from Viking Global Investors to manage the distribution of a saliva-based coronavirus test.
Infinity Biologix, a US-based coronavirus saliva test developer spun out of Rutgers University-New Brunswick, has launched with an initial $44.4m from investors including hedge fund Viking Global Investors, New Jersey Biz reported on Wednesday.
Spun out from the university’s RUCDR Infinite Biologics lab, Infinity Biologix has received emergency-use authorisation in the US for a coronavirus saliva test that can be performed from a patient’s home.
The aim is to enable more comprehensive testing than existing nose or throat swabs that can put medical personnel at risk of infection.
Infinity Biologix will leverage the capital to build out its operations and core technology, targeting anticipated demand from the university’s existing and future clients.
Andrew Brooks, chief operating officer of RUDCR Infinite Biologics, is taking the chief executive role at Infinity Biologix. He is also a professor in the Department of Genetics at Rutgers – New Brunswick’s School of Arts and Sciences.
RUDCR Infinite Biologics has separately announced a gene-based coronavirus test which, when combined with the saliva test, should massively increase its testing capacity.
The tests are available through New Jersey-wide healthcare provider RWJBarnabas Health under a partnership agreement. Testing locations include a drive-through facility in the New Jersey township of Edison.
Brooks said: “The impact of this approval is significant. It means we no longer have to put health care professionals at risk for infection by performing nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal collections.”
