NGeneBio Launches Genetic Testing Service for GLP-1 Anti-Obesity Drugs

Analysis of Genetic Traits Related to Therapeutic Response and Adverse Events Before Administration of Drugs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro

Introduction to Hospitals and Clinics as a Non-Insured Test Under Discussion with Institutions Including Incheon Sejong Hospital

NGeneBio, an AI precision medicine company, announced on September 10 that it has launched a genetic testing service that analyzes patients’ genetic characteristics related to therapeutic response and adverse events before administration of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) class anti-obesity drugs.

This service provides a “pre-administration screening test” that analyzes genetic mutations using a blood sample before prescribing GLP-1 class anti-obesity medication. By assessing individual patients’ genetic traits prior to treatment with GLP-1 drugs, such as Wegovy or Mounjaro, the test supports medical staff in creating personalized treatment strategies. The test analyzes mutations in key genes, including GLP1R and GIPR, and examines genetic features associated with treatment response and adverse reactions.

Concept diagram of NGeneBio’s ‘GLP-1 Personalized Treatment Genetic Test.’ NGeneBio

NGeneBio is currently in discussions with hospitals and clinics where GLP-1 prescriptions are made, including Incheon Sejong Hospital, regarding the introduction of this service. The company plans to first launch the test as a non-insured (self-pay) option to enter the initial market.

NGeneBio aims to expand the scope of precision testing related to GLP-1, starting with the launch of this service. By leveraging test results accumulated in medical settings, as well as real-world prescription drugs, weight change, treatment response, and adverse effect data, the company plans to enhance test accuracy and, in the future, expand to a monitoring test that tracks blood changes in patients during ongoing treatment.

NGeneBio will also conduct joint research with Incheon Sejong Hospital. The company aims to validate key biomarkers related to treatment response and adverse events and discover additional biomarkers reflecting characteristics specific to Korean patients. In the future, the scope of research will expand to include testing areas related to safety.

NGeneBio has applied its accumulated expertise in genetic mutation analysis and diagnostic product development from the field of cancer precision diagnostics to the development of GLP-1–related tests. The company is also utilizing expertise gained from previous direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing businesses and its medical institution network.

CEO Minshik Kim of NGeneBio stated, “As the GLP-1 anti-obesity drug market grows, interest in medical settings regarding assessment of individual patients’ therapeutic responses and adverse events before prescription is rising. As the first company to launch this genetic testing service in Korea, we will expand our business to drive adoption by hospitals and clinics, which will in turn lead to sales growth.” He added, “By continuously broadening the scope of testing based on Korean clinical data, we aim to develop GLP-1 personalized treatment into a new business for obesity and metabolic diseases.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.