Virax Biolabs partners with Emory for long COVID diagnostic studies

LONDON - Virax Biolabs Group Limited (NASDAQ:VRAX), currently trading near its 52-week low of $0.72, has signed a research agreement with Emory University to conduct clinical studies of its ViraxImmune technology, focusing on immune profiling in patients with long COVID, the company announced Tuesday. According to InvestingPro data, the micro-cap biotech maintains a strong liquidity position with a current ratio of 7.27x.

Under the agreement, Emory’s Laboratory for Innovative Assay Development will handle patient recruitment, testing, and analysis to generate clinical data supporting Virax’s planned regulatory submissions. The collaboration comes as Virax prepares for a pre-submission meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in early September 2025 to discuss the regulatory pathway for ViraxImmune. While the company holds more cash than debt on its balance sheet, InvestingPro analysis indicates rapid cash burn remains a key challenge.

"Partnering with Emory University, one of the foremost institutions in immunology and clinical research, is an important step toward validating ViraxImmune in real-world patient populations," said James Foster, Chief Executive Officer of Virax Biolabs.

Dr. Wilbur A. Lam, Director of Emory’s Center for the Advancement of Diagnostics for a Just Society, noted that "PASC and other post-viral syndromes remain poorly understood and underdiagnosed."

ViraxImmune is designed to evaluate a patient’s immune response profile by assessing T cell reactivity rather than conventional antibody testing. The company states this approach provides a more comprehensive picture of immune health in chronic and post-viral conditions.

The biotechnology company is positioning its technology as a potential solution for millions suffering from long COVID and other post-viral conditions who currently lack effective diagnostic options.

According to the press release statement, Virax aims to establish itself as a leader in immune profiling diagnostics through this collaboration, which forms part of its broader U.S. market entry strategy. Analysts tracking the stock maintain a moderate buy rating with a $3 price target, though InvestingPro data reveals the company faces significant challenges with a -96% revenue decline in the last twelve months. InvestingPro subscribers have access to 14 additional key insights about VRAX’s financial health and market position.

In other recent news, Virax Biolabs Group Limited announced the appointment of Iain Miller, PhD, as an Independent Director to its Board of Directors. Miller, with over 30 years of experience in the diagnostics and MedTech sectors, replaces Yair Erez, who is stepping down to focus on other professional pursuits. Additionally, Virax Biolabs received a notification from Nasdaq regarding non-compliance with the exchange’s minimum bid price requirement. The notice, dated July 14, highlighted that the company has not maintained the minimum bid price of $1.00 per share as required under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2). Virax Biolabs has been given a compliance period of 180 calendar days, until January 12, 2026, to meet this requirement. These developments are part of the company’s recent activities.

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