WATCH: Varro Grand Opening Coverage by HEC-TV

By Kathleen Berger, Executive Producer of Science and Technology

In the Cortex Innovation District, a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the grand opening of Varro Life Sciences attracted prominent civic leaders who are not shy when publicly expressing thoughts about Varro.

“I believe with all my heart that this company will be, and you’re going to all think back on this day, this company will be one of the most important companies in St. Louis, in Missouri, in America and in the world,” said Richard Gephardt, former congressman and U.S. House democratic leader. “Because it will transform the way the entire world deals with infectious disease.”

Dick Gephardt’s 28 years in the U.S. House of Representatives carried weight when he spoke from the podium at Varro’s grand opening ceremony on August 21, 2025. Gephardt joined Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe and St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer, among other community and civic leaders supporting Varro.

“There were a lot of folks there and you can just feel the energy. And in my opening remarks, what I said is…,” recalled Sam Fiorello, President and CEO of Cortex Innovation District.

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Image Credit: HECMedia