Covira Bio

Covirabio GmbH is a start-up developing test systems for pathogen detection and immune monitoring at the point-of-care or point-of-need. Its technology platform, VERB (Virus Entry Receptor Binding), exploits highly specific host-pathogen interactions: the binding of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to the human cell entry receptor ACE2 is reproduced on a solid-phase matrix so that intact, likely infectious virus particles can be selectively captured. Captured particles are then detected using conventional methods such as RT-qPCR or virus antigen tests, allowing the capture step to be inserted into existing laboratory protocols. The same principle, applied in reverse through the abolishment of host-pathogen binding, is used to determine neutralizing antibody titers in a biosafety level 2 environment.

The R&D portfolio spans three areas. Virus diagnosis is based on the VERB assay, developed for SARS-CoV-2 during the peak of the pandemic and available in a lab-based format, VERB - RUO; a multinational consortium was formed to move the assay into a microfluidic format. Immunity monitoring comprises two point-of-care solutions for monitoring neutralizing antibodies, developed with SAICO biosystems and the Cell Chip Group at the Technical University Vienna and supported by the Vienna Business Agency. Bacteria diagnosis uses magnetic beads functionalized with proteins involved in host-pathogen interaction for enrichment and detection of bacterial pathogens, with the same partners integrating the bioassay into microfluidic systems and developing a microfluidic assay for phenotypic antibiotic susceptibility profiling.

In October 2022 the company launched the VERB kit, using ACE2-functionalized magnetic beads and a bind-wash-elute workflow that can be run manually for feasibility studies or in automated mode for high-throughput work. The kit captures all SARS-CoV-2 variants from a variety of sample matrices and supports neutralizing antibody detection, viral entry inhibitor screening, spike protein purification and, following a later addition, spike protein detection.

Business model

Covirabio develops and supplies diagnostic assay products and test systems based on its VERB platform. A lab-based research-use-only version of the assay, the VERB (RUO) kit, is available, while point-of-care and point-of-need products integrated into microfluidic systems are under development in partnership with external technology providers and academic groups. Development projects are supported by public funding from the Vienna Business Agency.

Sales of the VERB (RUO) research kit, with additional development activity funded through supported collaborative projects.

Traction

The VERB assay is available in a lab-based research-use-only kit format, launched in October 2022, with three established applications after the addition of spike protein detection. Point-of-care immunity monitoring and bacterial diagnosis programs are in development with named academic and industrial partners and support from the Vienna Business Agency, and the company joined the BioNanoNet association as a standard member.