InnoVero and Tasso Partner to Provide Non-Invasive, Athlete-Centric Solution for Anti-Doping Testing
Tuesday, October 19th, 2021
Security Kit will ensure WADA compliance for Dried Blood Spot Testing for Doping Control and improve the athlete testing experience
October 19, 2021
(COLORADO SPRINGS, CO): InnoVero LLC, maker of the innovative SAFESystem™ sample collection kit currently revolutionizing global anti-doping practices, today announced a partnership with Tasso, Inc. to become the exclusive worldwide distributor for Tasso blood collection devices for the anti-doping marketplace. The partnership will accelerate global efforts to expand consistent non-invasive anti-doping testing.
In May 2021, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) approved its first technical document on dried blood spot (DBS) testing for doping control, designed to harmonize testing requirements and procedures. The InnoVero-Tasso partnership will ensure that all collection protocols are followed accurately and consistently, through the development of a unique security kit that utilizes non-invasive DBS sample collection, in making these testing assets available to global anti-doping stakeholders.
“This partnership signals a pivotal moment in reducing the invasive blood collection procedures athletes often associate with sample collection, another prime example of the innovation InnoVero is bringing to global anti-doping stakeholders,” said Gabe Baida, Executive Director for InnoVero. “Athletes have asked for alternatives to blood draws, while anti-doping organizations have struggled with alternative options that promote security and efficiency along with athlete safety. The InnoVero-Tasso partnership signals a breakthrough opportunity in sample collection procedures, while keeping athlete needs at the forefront in minimizing the invasiveness.”
Tasso enables on-demand at-home blood collection for patients and athletes with an easy and virtually painless remote sample collection technology. The current portfolio of Tasso devices includes the Tasso-M20 for DBS testing, as well as the Tasso+ and Tasso-SST for liquid blood sample collection. Tasso devices are an alternative to traditional invasive and painful venipuncture blood draws, improving the athlete testing experience while still delivering clinical grade blood for analysis.
“Our partnership with InnoVero is an exciting step toward industry-wide acceptance of athlete-centric testing methods,” said Ben Casavant, CEO & Co-Founder of Tasso. “The combination of a virtually painless experience that can be done anywhere simplifies testing for athletes, no matter where their training regimens and competitions take them. We are pleased to be partnering with InnoVero to improve anti-doping testing for athletes worldwide.”
About InnoVero
InnoVero provides innovation and integrity to the global anti-doping community, through solutions designed to secure global athlete trust. InnoVero’s SAFESystem™ sample collection kit serves clients globally, with more than 50,000 kits produced and used by anti-doping organizations, located in Africa, Asia, Europe and Russia, as well by the United States Anti-Doping Agency, UFC and MLB. The SAFESystem™ features revolutionary security mechanisms that ensure its sample collection bottles are secure, athlete-friendly and tamper-evident, among a suite of features designed to provide seamless and efficient use by athletes, doping control officers and laboratories. For more information about InnoVero, please visit www.innoveroglobal.com.
About Tasso
Tasso is an emerging healthcare technology company that is transforming the traditional blood collection paradigm with a patient-centric approach. The company’s devices enable users to self-collect blood at home with a virtually painless, no-training-required process. Tasso technology has the power to bring healthcare anywhere, any time. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Tasso is privately held and funded by grants from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Defense Threat Reduction Agency, and the National Institutes of Health, by investments from Hambrecht Ducera Growth Ventures, Merck Global Health Innovation Fund, Foresite Capital, Vertical Venture Partners, Techstars, and Cedars Sinai, and by co-development deals with various industry leaders. For more information, please visit www.tassoinc.com.
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CONTACTS:
InnoVero
Brad Horn
InnoVero
(512) 636-3831
Tasso
Dina Schneider
Tasso, Inc.
(206) 822-4186 x1016