Seattle Startup Singletto Secures $10 Million Investment and Expands Market Reach for Virus-Killing Technology
In a significant milestone for healthcare innovation, Seattle-based startup Singletto has secured a $10 million Series A investment round, marking a new chapter in the company’s mission to combat infectious diseases. Founded in 2020 by healthcare professionals with extensive Pacific Northwest connections, Singletto has developed a groundbreaking technology called Oxafence Active Protection that effectively kills viruses, bacteria, and fungi. This development comes at an opportune moment as seasonal respiratory illnesses typically increase during winter months, offering healthcare providers and concerned individuals an additional layer of protection. The company’s expansion onto Amazon’s marketplace represents a strategic move to reach a broader audience, particularly targeting healthcare professionals who may not have access to these specialized masks through their employers.
At the heart of Singletto’s innovation is the Oxafence Active Protection technology, which utilizes methylene blue—a chemical compound with proven pathogen-killing properties that is also relatively safe for human use. Clinical tests have demonstrated impressive efficacy, with 99.9% of specific viral strains being inactivated within just five minutes of contact with Oxafence-treated face masks. This remarkable performance led to FDA approval last year, positioning Singletto’s product as the only FDA-cleared mask in the United States with virus-inactivating capabilities. The technology represents a significant advancement in personal protective equipment, particularly valuable in healthcare settings where exposure to infectious agents poses constant risks. Beyond masks, the versatile technology shows promising potential for applications across various healthcare products and settings.
The recent $10 million funding round coincides with Singletto’s selection by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) for its prestigious Embedded Entrepreneur Initiative. This program provides specialized support to startups developing technologies with potential applications for U.S. national security, highlighting the broader significance of Singletto’s innovations beyond commercial healthcare markets. As part of this initiative, infectious disease specialist Kelli Blaize-Wise will work closely with Singletto to explore expanded applications for the Oxafence technology. “We’re actively exploring applications in warfighter protection, wound care, and other areas where this platform could offer real value,” Blaize-Wise noted in a statement, suggesting the technology’s potential extends far beyond face masks to various protective equipment and medical treatments that could benefit military personnel and civilians alike.
The company’s leadership brings impressive credentials to this healthcare innovation space. Dr. Tom Lendvay, Singletto’s chief medical officer, maintains active roles as a pediatric urologist at Seattle Children’s Hospital and as a University of Washington professor, bringing valuable clinical insights to product development. Meanwhile, Chief Science Officer Dr. Jim Chen leverages his background as a former neurosurgeon and experience launching an oncology research company to guide the scientific direction of Singletto’s work. This blend of medical expertise and entrepreneurial experience has helped the company navigate the complex landscape of healthcare innovation, regulatory approval, and market entry since its founding in 2020, positioning it for continued growth and development of its pathogen-fighting technology platform.
CEO John Bjornson emphasized the strategic importance of the Amazon marketplace launch, noting that it allows Singletto to reach consumers seeking higher levels of protection. “Our intention is to be able to reach the nurses that don’t have access to these options through their employers, as well as other people and families who have that extra concern and they’re searching for something that gives them better confidence,” Bjornson explained. The American-made Oxafence masks are currently available on Amazon at $38 for a box of 50, positioning them competitively against comparable U.S.-made N95 masks while offering the additional benefit of active virus inactivation. This pricing strategy places Singletto’s product at a premium compared to imported alternatives but provides justification through its unique protective capabilities and domestic manufacturing credentials.
The timing of Singletto’s expansion coincides with growing awareness of respiratory protection needs in both healthcare and community settings. While the initial market focus appears to be on healthcare professionals, the company’s move to a consumer-accessible platform like Amazon suggests recognition of broader demand for enhanced protective equipment. The development of Oxafence technology represents an evolution in thinking about personal protection—moving beyond simple physical barriers to actively neutralizing pathogens upon contact. As Singletto continues to develop this platform with support from both private investment and government initiatives like the DARPA program, the potential applications could extend into numerous settings where infection control remains a critical concern. This Seattle startup’s journey from concept to FDA-approved, commercially available product demonstrates how local innovation can address global health challenges with practical, science-backed solutions.
