A COVID-19 vaccine efficacy test created by Bucks County biotechnology firm FlowMetric got a boost of $750,000 in state funding, secured by state Sen. Steve Santarsiero (D-10).
“If the last year and a half or so has taught us anything, it’s that having data and information is critically important,” said Santarsiero. “I was proud to advocate for the Keystone Communities Program Grant for FlowMetric, a company that is really on the cutting edge doing great work here at the PA Biotech Center. This test will not only determine vaccine efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines available in the United States, but will lead the way for future vaccine efficacy testing.”
FlowMetric CEO Renold Capocasale thanked Santarsiero for his help in securing the grant funding.
“This is a historical day for FlowMetric Life Sciences,” he said. “With deep gratitude we are accepting a grant from the state of Pennsylvania and Sen. Santarsiero.
“Everything we do is about dealing with and addressing unmet medical needs. When the COVID pandemic began, we quickly recognized that we could support testing in ways we felt would make a great contribution, and that has led to the recognition by Sen. Santarsiero and his colleagues that testing for immune response to COVID-19 vaccines is something that is truly helpful and going to provide great value.”
Individuals who have received any of the COVID-19 vaccines can request a test from their doctor.
The grant will be used to purchase lab equipment to expand testing capabilities and toward expansion of the mobile labs to improve access to community-based testing.
“A few months ago, I was able to bring my colleagues in leadership of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees on a tour of the PA Biotechnology Center, which included a stop at FlowMetric,” said Santarsiero. “While here, I took the COVID-19 Vaccine Immune Response Test and when the results came back, I learned I had COVID-19 before I received the vaccine. My colleagues and I were all incredibly impressed with this innovative test and the implications it can have on public health moving forward. The work that is being done here underscores how important this type of technology is and why the state being able to invest in this research is so critically important.”
FlowMetric is housed in the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center, one of the nation’s most successful Life Sciences incubators, located in Buckingham Township. For more information, visit vaxeffect.com
