GC Genome's Genome Health has been developed as a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping service that uses next-generation sequencing (NGS) to identify risks associated with major cancer types and diseases
Genome Health is an SNP genotyping service that uses NGS. (Credit: National Cancer Institute on Unsplash)
South Korea-based diagnostics company GC Genome has signed a collaboration and exclusive licence agreement with Thailand-based medical and laboratory products distributor MP Group.
Under the terms of the agreement, GC Genome will allow MP Group to exclusively commercialise its product Genome Health in Thailand.
Genome Health has been developed as a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping service that uses next-generation sequencing (NGS) to identify risks associated with major cancer types and diseases.
The collaboration also requires GC Genome to transfer essential wet lab technology and know-how required to operate a genetic laboratory within Thailand.
Upon completion of the technology transfer, MP Group will launch the product under the brand name ‘genechecks’ and market it in Thailand.
GC Genome CEO Chang-Seok Ki said: “Genome Health is actively securing a robust presence in South Korea’s genetic health checkup market, with a primary focus on disease-related health assessments.
“With the capability to analyse 45 diseases in a single test, our service ensures efficient and accurate personalised health management. We are enthusiastic about the positive impact Genome Health will make in Thailand and beyond.”
Along with this collaboration, GC Genome and MP Group also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to further extend their partnership to include other GC Genome products.
The expansion includes technology transfer and encompasses areas such as health check-ups, pre and neonatal health, precision oncology, and rare diseases within Thailand.
In addition, the MoU is expected to further strengthen GC Genome’s presence in the Southeast Asian healthcare market through a strategic partnership with MP Group.
MP Group CEO Nathporn Boonbuppa said: “In a country like Thailand, individuals who are not in high-income communities do not receive the same access to care. This is, even more, the case in low to middle-income countries.
“While we hoped that genome technologies would make access to care more affordable and accessible, this has not happened. Partnership with GC Genome for our genechecks product will bring rapid diagnosis to the masses.
“We are pleased to be partnering with GC Genome to extend the reach of our genetic technology platform and bring novel new product candidates forward with the potential to benefit Thai citizens.”