In a significant move to accelerate the global reach of its groundbreaking technology-sharing initiative, Seegene Inc., a South Korean leader in PCR molecular diagnostics, has finalized a partnership agreement with Werfen, a global leader in specialized diagnostics. This collaboration will establish a new company, Werfen-Seegene, in Spain, serving as a strategic hub for European expansion.
The partnership builds on the momentum of the technology-sharing initiative, which launched its first NewCo partnership with Hylabs, a leading diagnostic company in Israel, in March 2023. This initiative aims to share Seegene’s advanced diagnostic and data analysis technologies globally, including its syndromic real-time PCR technology and an automated product development system (SGDDS), with a leading company partnered in each country.
Seegene’s syndromic real-time PCR technology is a revolutionary advancement in molecular target detection. It allows for the simultaneous detection of up to 14 pathogens in a single reaction tube, providing quantitative information for each target. This partnership will enable local scientists and experts to collaborate and develop diagnostic tests tailored to the specific needs of their communities and fields, covering a wide range of human and non-human diseases.
Werfen-Seegene will prioritize the development of products for infectious diseases, including antimicrobial and drug resistance testing, viral load testing, monitoring tests for organ transplant patients, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and emerging diseases specific to the region. The NewCo will leverage Werfen’s extensive local infrastructure and network to deliver products that cater to local needs, making a significant contribution to healthcare in Spain.
As the fourth-largest in vitro diagnostics (IVD) market in Europe, Spain is strategically positioned to serve as a hub for this expansion. The NewCo is anticipated to lead efforts in securing in vitro diagnostic medical devices regulation (CE-IVDR) approval and expand its reach into both European and global markets.
“Over the past decade, our collaboration with Seegene has highlighted the remarkable impact of their syndromic PCR diagnostic tests on healthcare. We are thrilled to leverage Seegene’s unparalleled technology and manufacturing expertise to develop products tailored for the Spanish and Portuguese market, where there is a high demand for rapid product development due to the frequent emergence of new infectious diseases and viral mutations,” said Carlos Pascual, CEO of Werfen. “This partnership with Seegene will empower us to expand our footprint and respond swiftly to any outbreaks.”
“We have high expectations for this NewCo, which will combine Werfen’s extensive business experience with Seegene’s leading syndromic product development and production capabilities. We will continue to share our technology with leading global companies and countries that are interested in our technology-sharing initiative. Werfen-Seegene will play a pivotal role in accelerating the global expansion of our initiative,” said Dr. Jong-Yoon Chun, CEO and founder of Seegene.
In addition to this partnership, Seegene has also secured major strategic partnerships with Microsoft and Springer Nature to further enhance the technology-sharing initiative. The partnership with Microsoft aims to empower global companies participating in the initiative with a streamlined product development system enhanced by advanced IT system operations and AI-powered data analysis. Springer Nature is fostering innovation in PCR diagnostic products through its Open Innovation Program (OIP), launched in 2023, followed by the ‘Nature Awards MDx Impact Grants’ in 2024. They plan to expand and advance this program to support NewCos in collaborating with local scientists and experts to develop innovative products in a wide range of fields.
This strategic collaboration between Seegene and Werfen marks a significant step forward in the global fight against infectious diseases. By combining Seegene’s advanced technologies with Werfen’s extensive expertise and local infrastructure, Werfen-Seegene is poised to play a vital role in developing and delivering tailored diagnostic solutions that can help create a healthier future for all.
