Prince William company to expand manufacturing of COVID-19 test products

Prince William County-based Ceres Nanosciences Inc. will increase manufacturing of its reagent product used in COVID-19 tests, Gov. Ralph Northam announced Wednesday. The project will create 50 jobs in engineering, advanced manufacturing and materials science during the next three years.

“This expansion will enable Ceres Nanosciences to vastly increase production of its patented technology to support current and future COVID-19 testing needs both in the commonwealth and around the country,” Northam said in a statement. 

Ceres Nanosciences manufactures nanotrap magnetic virus particles for diagnostic tests. In September 2020, Ceres was awarded a $6.57 million National Institutes of Health contract to launch technology to be used in COVID-19 testing. Ceres’ technology eliminates the need for RNA extraction kids, reduces sample processing time and improves the sensitivity of the tests.

“Ceres chose to expand in Virginia because of the commonwealth’s commitment to support the life sciences industry and provide valuable incentives to small businesses throughout every stage of their growth cycle,” Ceres CEO Ross Dunlap said in a statement. “Virginia has a deep well of scientific talent and resources that are critical for success in the biotech and life sciences industry.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Prince William County to secure the project for Virginia. It will support the company through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP), which provides consultation and funding to companies creating jobs. 

Subscribe to Virginia Business.

Get our daily e-newsletter.