Theragen Bio Expands DTC Genetic Test Items to '78, the Largest Number in Korea'

"Expectations for Providing Rich Genetic Information and Solutions"

Teragen Bio researcher demonstrating gene collection for DTC testing (Photo by Teragen Bio)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] Theragen Bio announced on the 15th that it will expand its DTC (Direct-to-Consumer) genetic testing service for non-medical institutions, "Genstyle," to the largest number in Korea with 78 detailed items. DTC testing refers to genetic testing services that consumers can directly request from testing institutions (companies) online or in stores without visiting medical institutions.

Theragen Bio obtained approval for 70 test items allowed in Korea through the "2nd DTC Certification Pilot Project" conducted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency last year. Since then, it has subdivided and reorganized these items based on scientific validity and consumer understanding convenience.

Accordingly, the Genstyle genetic test is provided with 78 detailed items, including ▲vitamin levels ▲blood sugar, blood pressure, abdominal obesity, yo-yo effect possibility, susceptibility to degenerative arthritis ▲melasma, freckles, acne, skin aging ▲hair loss, gray hair ▲various exercise suitability, muscle development ability ▲alcohol, caffeine, nicotine metabolism and dependence ▲ancestry tracing, among others.

Theragen Bio expects that this item subdivision will provide consumers with abundant genetic information and diverse solutions, as well as improve understanding of test results.

Additionally, based on the expanded DTC genetic testing, the company is collaborating and partnering with firms in various fields such as food, health functional foods, cosmetics, and fitness to provide customized services to customers.

A Theragen Bio official stated, "DTC testing is a representative contactless healthcare service suitable for the COVID-19 era. With the expansion of detailed test items, consumers will be able to comprehensively check nutrients, obesity, skin, hair, eating habits, and exercise characteristics at once, which will increase consumer interest."

Meanwhile, the government had limited the number of DTC genetic test items to 11 across the entire industry until 2019, but recently, through pilot projects evaluating test accuracy, safety, and consumer satisfaction, it has allowed different numbers of test items for each company.

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