Babson Diagnostics develops BetterWay, a fingertip capillary blood-testing service that enables pea-sized samples to be collected at local pharmacies and analyzed in the company’s Austin clinical laboratory. BetterWay integrates BD’s MiniDraw capillary collection device with Babson’s proprietary sample-preparation and hand-warming technologies to enable high-quality microsamples without phlebotomists. The company launched BetterWay in May in Austin and positions the service as convenient, affordable, and eligible for insurance and HSA/FSA coverage. Babson emphasizes extensive clinical research and claims leadership in the use of capillary blood for routine testing. The company’s commercial launch is being supported by new financing and a strengthened strategic partnership with BD and existing investors. Babson Diagnostics has built a proprietary technological ecosystem that reimagines blood collection, handling, analysis, software, and AI to produce accurate diagnostic results from microsamples. Its technology uses small capillary samples—about one-tenth the volume of venipuncture—to deliver a full range of diagnostic tests without sacrificing quality, accuracy, or cost. The company was originally incubated at Siemens Healthineers and developed an innovative collection device in collaboration with BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company). Babson plans to deploy its solution at pharmacies and other convenient retail locations to increase access to routine diagnostic testing and reduce barriers such as inconvenience, cost, and aversion to venipuncture. Recent clinical and preference studies in a retail pharmacy setting demonstrated accuracy versus conventional testing and customer preference for Babson’s approach. The company is based in Austin, Texas and is preparing for regulatory approval, commercial launch, and nationwide rollout. Babson Diagnostics has developed a proprietary technological ecosystem designed to deliver accurate diagnostic results from capillary blood samples using only one-tenth the volume of venipuncture, all from a simple finger stick. Its first-generation SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody test received FDA emergency use authorization in June and is being used in clinical studies with research centers such as Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin. The technology was incubated at Siemens Healthineers and developed in partnership with Becton Dickinson; the company says it maintains quality, accuracy, and menu breadth despite the smaller sample volume. Babson plans to deploy its system at accessible retail locations—such as pharmacy counters—throughout the country to offer longer hours, lower out-of-pocket costs, and a more human experience. The company is offering its antibody test free of charge to essential front-line pharmacy and grocery workforces while validating its technology in retail-focused clinical studies. Based in Austin, Texas, Babson has entered a commercialization phase supported by new financing.

Total raised

$45M

Funding rounds

3

Latest round

Series B

Latest activity

Jun 2021