Teragen Bio Passes 2nd DTC Genetic Testing Pilot Project Led by KDCA

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyungsoo Park] Theragen Bio announced on the 30th that it has obtained approval for all test items in the 2nd pilot project for consumer-targeted direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing services, led by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency.

Following the 1st pilot project conducted last year (55 types), Theragen Bio added 15 test items, enabling DTC genetic testing for a total of 70 types, the largest number in Korea.

The DTC genetic tests cover personal characteristic areas including various nutrients such as Vitamin A, Selenium, and Lutein, as well as bone mass, abdominal obesity, the effect of weight loss through exercise, and the possibility of weight regain (yo-yo effect) after weight loss.

The pilot project was conducted to expand the scope of DTC genetic testing. Since March this year, the government accepted participation applications from the entire genome industry and evaluated operational systems such as personnel and facilities, scientific performance management including test evaluation, and consumer protection aspects.

An external quality control evaluation was conducted to verify how accurately each company analyzes specific DNA substances. Theragen Bio accurately identified all 500 markers of 10 DNA substances presented by the certification review committee, achieving a 100% accuracy rate.

Lee Hye-young, head of the Genome Service Development Department at Theragen Bio, who was in charge of the pilot project, said, "By receiving approval for the largest number of items in the industry with excellent scores, we have once again confirmed our status as a leading genome company in Korea."

Theragen Bio launched the first personal genome testing service in Asia in 2010 and leads the industry by performing the largest number of DTC genetic tests in Korea. DTC testing is a genetic testing service that allows consumers to directly request tests from testing institutions (companies) online or in stores without visiting medical institutions.

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