New biotech company in McKinney seeks to streamline and enhance PCR testing processes.

A pioneering biotechnology venture in McKinney, Texas, aims to reshape the landscape of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, a widely recognized technology utilized in COVID-19 diagnostics. The initiative emerges from a strategic merger of three prominent Texas companies—Community Direct DX from McKinney, along with Tyler-based Scienetix and Advanta Genetics R&D—under the newly formed entity known as OSPRI. The name OSPRI is designed as a clever nod to the fish-eating raptor, symbolizing the company’s intent to target the burgeoning market for diagnostic testing.

OSPRI aspires to become the leading integrated platform for PCR testing, intending to streamline the processes of test development, manufacturing, and distribution. The new entity is fortified by a substantial investment of million from Catalio Capital Management, a New York-based investment firm, enhancing its capacity to pursue ambitious goals in health technology.

The founders of OSPRI have expressed a commitment to reducing both the complexities and costs associated with PCR testing, which have historically posed significant barriers to access. According to Co-Founder Steve Sorey, the company is dedicated to revolutionizing the PCR testing landscape to ensure it is neither prohibitively complex nor expensive.

Specializing across diverse health areas, OSPRI plans to enhance testing efficiency for healthcare providers, facilitating quicker diagnoses while potentially reducing costs by up to 50% compared to existing market alternatives. Chief Clinical Officer Alaina Vincent articulated the mission of OSPRI as focused on addressing the real issues associated with infectious disease testing, emphasizing the necessity for innovation that is widely accessible rather than exclusive to a select few.

A distinctive aspect of OSPRI’s operational model is its vertical integration. The company encompasses the entire spectrum of examining diseases—from research and development to in-house manufacturing and distribution. Additionally, OSPRI collaborates with healthcare providers to establish labs capable of conducting tests.

The significance of launching OSPRI coincides with a resurgence of COVID-19 across the United States, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Texas has been identified as one of five states experiencing significant viral activity. The current increase in cases is primarily attributed to the XFG variant, referred to as “Stratus,” which was first detected in March.

Sorey views the COVID-19 pandemic as a catalyst that brought PCR testing into the public consciousness, yet he believes the potential applications of this technology extend far beyond viral detection. The demand for PCR testing, particularly in the diagnosis of conditions like urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted diseases, is anticipated to grow significantly. By simplifying and reducing the costs of PCR testing, OSPRI aims to enable more healthcare providers to implement these tests in-house, thereby increasing patient access to vital diagnostic services.

OSPRI’s vision is to democratize PCR testing, shifting the focus away from centralized laboratories and empowering healthcare providers to play a more substantial role in the testing process.