Sangji Kyleum Subsidiary Ace Biomed Acquires Stake in Molecular Diagnostics Company 'Aram Biosystem'

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hyowon] Sangji Kyleum (CEO Choi Kibo) announced on the 14th that its subsidiary, Ace Biomed, has acquired a 39.4% stake in Aram Biosystem.

Aram Bio System's RNA Extraction Equipment

Aram Biosystem is a supplier of portable ultra-fast PCR systems and a molecular diagnostics specialist company possessing ultra-fast gene amplification reagents for COVID-19.

Through the acquisition of shares in Aram Biosystem, Ace Biomed has secured core technologies essential for COVID-19 ultra-fast gene diagnostic kits, such as DNA replication enzymes and reverse transcriptase enzymes. Currently, Aram Biosystem's nucleic acid extraction devices and Palm PCR equipment, along with Ace Biomed's ultra-fast gene diagnostic kits, are being prepared for sale as package products targeting the global market.

According to the company, Ace Biomed's ultra-fast gene diagnostic kit (Palm PCR COVID-19 Fast Real-time RT-PCR Kit), when used together with Aram Biosystem's self-developed device ‘Palm PCR S1’, can reduce the diagnosis time from the existing 2 to 3 hours to within 21 minutes.

A Sangji Kyleum official stated, “In the COVID-19 pandemic situation where 4.2 million confirmed cases (290,000 deaths) have occurred in 184 countries worldwide, minimizing diagnosis time is a key task for calming the situation. In particular, Aram Biosystem's nucleic acid extraction devices and PCR equipment are portable, enabling efficient diagnosis regardless of location such as airports, train stations, and terminals.”

The official added, “This investment decision was made based on the evaluation that the combination of Aram Biosystem's portable ultra-fast PCR system and Ace Biomed's COVID-19 ultra-fast gene diagnostic kit has high time efficiency and fewer location constraints, making it a potential game changer in the future diagnostic kit and PCR equipment market.”