Seoul St. Mary's Hospital and Genome Insight Sign MOU for Joint Research on Next-Generation Whole Genome-Based Blood Cancer Diagnostic Platform

Seoul St. Mary's Hospital exterior view.

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] The Catholic University Seoul St. Mary's Hospital Blood Disease Center announced on the 7th that it has signed a business agreement with Genome Insight to jointly research and early adopt the next-generation whole genome sequencing (WGS) diagnostic platform.

WGS is a technology that comprehensively studies genetic factors related to diseases and drug responsiveness. The currently implemented next-generation gene panel test (NGS) selectively detects only about 0.1% to 1% of the genome due to technical limitations, whereas WGS can examine the entire genome.

Through the agreement, the two institutions will collaborate on research to jointly develop a WGS-based next-generation one-stop diagnostic platform technology for hematologic cancers and promote cooperation for the early clinical adoption of the platform.

Kim Hee-je, director of the Blood Disease Center, said, "WGS is a key topic in the advancement of precision medicine for hematologic cancers," adding, "We look forward to producing good results through cooperation with Genome Insight."

Genome Insight is a specialized company in WGS big data analysis and interpretation for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment of diseases caused by genetic variations, such as cancer and rare diseases. It is headquartered in San Diego, USA, with R&D centers in Seoul and Daejeon.

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