Business pioneer helped expand AAD's platform to human health
MORRISVILLE, N.C., May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With sadness, AAD announced today that its chairman of the board, business leader Robert B. "Bob" Shapiro, has died at 86 following a battle with cancer.
Shapiro joined AAD's board in 2014 after the venture firm he co-founded made an investment in AAD. He became chairman in 2015. Shapiro led the board during AAD's expansion from point-of-cow testing company Advanced Animal Diagnostics to the creation of sister company Ad Astra Diagnostics, which develops patient-side, rapid human diagnostics. During his tenure, Ad Astra transferred novel capabilities using artificial intelligence in austere environments to garner the first point-of-care clearance for an early marker of sepsis.
"Bob touched all of us by transforming healthcare, food and agriculture," said Joy Parr Drach, president, CEO and co-founder of both AAD companies. "I am grateful for his friendship, mentorship, and for the time he invested in Ad Astra Diagnostics and Advanced Animal Diagnostics because he shared our vision for transforming those industries. Our technology will help healthcare systems and livestock producers save time, money and lives because of the foundation he helped to lay."
A lawyer by training, Shapiro became CEO and chairman of Monsanto, where he transformed the chemical company into a leader in biotechnology on a mission to improve people's lives through food and ag biotechnology. He was also chairman of the board at Pharmacia, launched NutraSweet as the first branded food ingredient, co-founded Sandbox Industries as a healthcare incubator and venture fund, and co-founded Cultivian Sandbox to make venture investments in food and agriculture.
Shapiro had a passion for fostering innovation in crucial industries. He was a visionary with the operating experience to back it in creating new value. He will be remembered for his insight, ability to cut to the heart of a matter in a few words, and sense of humor.
About Ad Astra Diagnostics
Ad Astra Diagnostics, Inc. provides rapid patient-side diagnostics to enable fast health decisions. The company's QScout® platform was designed to improve health, well-being and lab efficiency. Ad Astra's name, the Latin translation of "to the stars", embodies the company's vision for expanding affordable diagnostic access and pays homage to techniques rooted in astronomy.
About Advanced Animal Diagnostics
Advanced Animal Diagnostics provides livestock producers with rapid point-of-care diagnostic and data systems that improve profitability and empower precise care of animals, so they live healthier, more productive lives. AAD tests provide actionable information to inform real-time decisions that increase productivity, prevent losses, protect the food supply, reduce antibiotic use and improve human and animal well-being.
Media Contact
Joy Parr Drach
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SOURCE Ad Astra Diagnostics, Inc.
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