Andrew Brooks, research professor at Rutgers University, who developed the first saliva-based Covid-19 test to help diagnose the virus, died of a heart attack at age 51.
Brooks, who played a significant role in the fight against the pandemic, died unexpectedly on January 23, the university said in a statement.
His sister Janet Green said he suffered a heart attack and described him as ‘an intellect, an incredible scientist, an incredible father … an incredible family man’, reports CNN.
Andrew Brooks, research professor at Rutgers University, who developed the first saliva-based Covid-19 test to help diagnose the virus, died of a heart attack at age 51
The father of three, from New Jersey, was the director of operations and director of technology development for RUCDR Infinite Biologics, the laboratory that created the saliva test.
The creation of the first saliva-based coronavirus test, which helps diagnose Covid-19, received emergency FDA approval in April last year and a month later became the first of any approved test for home use.
More than four million rapid response tests have been carried out since March last year.
Saliva testing was a new approach that helped to expand testing options. The collection of saliva samples is much easier than the collection of previously required samples, which should be removed from the nostril towards the bottom of the throat.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy recognized Brooks and his contribution to helping stem the spread of Covid-19 in the state and across the country.
He called him “one of the anonymous heroes of our state” at a news conference on January 25 and said his work on the saliva test “has undoubtedly saved lives”.
“We cannot thank Andy enough for all that he has done throughout his career,” said Governor Murphy. “He will be missed by many.”
‘Andy and I were close,’ said Jay Tischfield, founder and CEO of RUCDR. ‘We often commented that I was old enough to be his father and often thought of him as a son.
Brooks’s sister, Janet Green, said he suffered a heart attack and described him as ‘an intellect, an incredible scientist, an incredible father … an incredible family man’
“We will be remembered fondly by the large cohort of scientists whose research he has facilitated for many years.”
Brooks received a PhD in neuroscience from the University of Rochester and later became its director of Medical Center Core Facilities.
In 2009, he became director of operations and director of technology development at RUCDR, where he and his team developed the revolutionary Covid-19 saliva test.
He also served as the Science Director at Spectrum Solutions. Bill Phillips, the company’s COO, paid tribute to the team’s “dear friend”.
He said: “It is rare to find a person who, selflessly and passionately, dedicates his life to saving the lives of other people.
‘Andy not only won every trace of respect and praise due to him for his professional achievements, he also valued every handshake, hug, thanks and smile he received along the way.
‘We will certainly miss your leadership and brilliant mind, and deeply regret the loss of our dear friend.’
Throughout his career, Brooks has co-authored more than 70 publications and provided support and guidance for major research projects focused on the genomic etiology of human diseases and the effects of environmental exposures.
Brooks also served for 17 years as a consultant to the Food and Drug Administration as director of the Harlan GeneScreen Laboratory and as a founding co-director of the BioProcessing Solutions Alliance.
Brooks leaves his wife Jill; his three daughters Lauren, Hannah and Danielle; his mother Phyllis Brooks and sister Janet Green and a niece and nephew.