By Kathleen Berger, Executive Producer of Science and Technology
In the Cortex Innovation District, a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the grand opening of Varro Life Sciences attracted prominent civic leaders who are not shy when publicly expressing thoughts about Varro.
“I believe with all my heart that this company will be, and you’re going to all think back on this day, this company will be one of the most important companies in St. Louis, in Missouri, in America and in the world,” said Richard Gephardt, former congressman and U.S. House democratic leader. “Because it will transform the way the entire world deals with infectious disease.”
Dick Gephardt’s 28 years in the U.S. House of Representatives carried weight when he spoke from the podium at Varro’s grand opening ceremony on August 21, 2025. Gephardt joined Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe and St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer, among other community and civic leaders supporting Varro.
“There were a lot of folks there and you can just feel the energy. And in my opening remarks, what I said is…,” recalled Sam Fiorello, President and CEO of Cortex Innovation District.
Fiorello stated from the podium, “Almost 25 years ago, Cortex was founded with a bold vision. To transform a neglected St. Louis neighborhood into a place where science, business and community come together to drive innovation and economic growth.”
Thinking back 25 years about the support for Cortex from community, city and state leaders in Missouri, Fiorello said, “They knew that this is something that is going to take time to come together but will be lasting.”
Fiorello said the vision for Cortex in 2025 was why Varro is celebrating a grand opening in the district.
“Choosing St. Louis as your headquarters, while we appreciate it, we also know why you did it,” said Mayor Cara Spencer, City of St. Louis.
From the podium, Gephardt continued to firmly address the potential global impact from the work that will be happening in Varro’s new R&D and manufacturing space at Cortex. “In science and detection of infectious, terrible disease,” he said.
According to Varro, the company’s biosensors can rapidly detect airborne pathogens in real time, such as the flu, COVID, and RSV. Varro is using a nanobody-based electrochemical biosensor platform for rapid detection of aerosolized pathogens. This is accomplished by using a breath test and Varro’s Pathogen Air Biodetector for indoor spaces.
“Our Air Biodetector is sensitive and fast enough to be able to detect the presence of pathogens in the air, to protect the other people in that room,” said Tom Cirrito, co-founder and CEO of Varro Life Sciences.
Cirrito said the biosensors can detect many known pathogens at the same time, and the company can quickly adapt the technology for the detection of new, emerging pathogens.
“We can create and get new devices out in the field in a matter of weeks,” Cirrito said.
He said the devices may prevent a pandemic or even detect bioterror threats.
“This is not just regional or Midwest, this is global technology you’ll be seeing for years and it’s happening right here in St. Louis,” said Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe.
Cirrito said anything is possible with the platform taking shape following Varro’s $42.5 million investment in the Cortex Innovation District and the creation of 33 new jobs.
“We continue to bring in some of the top talent in the world. We’re recruiting people from outside of St. Louis, we’re also finding really great people already here in St. Louis,” Cirrito said.
Visit the Varro Life Sciences website at varrobio.com.
