A Seattle-based healthcare startup has reached several significant milestones, including securing $10 million in Series A funding and launching its innovative virus-neutralizing face masks on Amazon’s platform.
Singletto, which develops pathogen-killing technology, has also been selected for DARPA’s Embedded Entrepreneur Initiative, a program that supports technologies with potential national security applications. The company’s proprietary Oxafence Active Protection technology utilizes methylene blue, a compound proven effective against viruses, bacteria, and fungi while maintaining safety for human use.
Laboratory testing has demonstrated that the company’s face masks can neutralize 99.9% of specific viral strains within five minutes of contact. The technology, which received FDA approval last year, shows promise for application across various healthcare products beyond masks.
As part of the DARPA program, infectious disease expert Kelli Blaize-Wise will collaborate with Singletto to explore additional applications. “This is currently the only FDA-cleared mask in the U.S. that inactivates tested viruses,” noted Blaize-Wise, adding that they are investigating potential uses in “warfighter protection, wound care, and other areas.”
The Amazon launch comes at an opportune time as seasonal respiratory illnesses increase. CEO John Bjornson emphasized the strategic importance of the Amazon partnership, stating their goal is to reach healthcare workers who cannot access these masks through employers, as well as families seeking enhanced protection.
The American-manufactured Oxafence masks are available on Amazon at $38 for a 50-count box. This pricing positions them competitively against other U.S.-made N95 masks, which cost around $40 for the same quantity, though Chinese alternatives are available at lower price points.
Founded in 2020, Singletto’s leadership team brings substantial healthcare and entrepreneurial experience. Co-founder Dr. Tom Lendvay serves as chief medical officer while maintaining his roles as pediatric urologist at Seattle Children’s Hospital and University of Washington professor. Dr. Jim Chen, the company’s chief science officer and co-founder, previously led an oncology research company and has a background in neurosurgery.
The company’s technology represents a significant advancement in protective mask technology, offering active virus neutralization rather than simply filtering particles. With recent funding and expanded distribution through Amazon, Singletto aims to make this enhanced protection more widely available to healthcare workers and the general public.