Longhorn Vaccines & Diagnostics was established in 2006 to innovate new molecular tools, assay, and vaccines. They have the only FDA cleared sample collection system for inactivating pathogens (including COVID-19) for safe and faster collection. Their main product, Primestore® MTM, stabilizes RNA/DNA for molecular testing and fully inactivates viruses within seconds. Production in 2020 ramped up to 4 million collection tubes per week, using primarily local manufacturers. They are also working on the development of monoclonal antibodies and active vaccines for universal influenza and tuberculosis/gram positive bacteria. In addition to human illnesses, the company is also working on improvements in testing of animal viruses, such as African Swine Fever, Classical Swine Fever, and Foot and Mouth Disease, to protect the world’s food supply.
Vascular Perfusion Solutions is an early-stage company dedicated to oxygenated perfusion systems for organ transport. Their device seeks to increase the viable transport time for heart, lung, and liver organs from 4 to 8 hours. The technology originated at UT Health and has been successfully tested in animals. The compact system is designed to fit within the overhead bin of a commercial airplane and withstand cabin pressure changes. As a community member, they have been engaged and supportive of UTSA’s senior design projects.
