Samwon Tech to Produce Simple Emergency Ventilators... "Will Seek Export Approval to the US and Others"

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunseok Yoo] Samwon Tech announced on the 18th that it has signed a technology transfer agreement with Yonsei University Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation to handle the approval and production of a Korean-style simplified emergency ventilator patented by Professor Kang Seong-woong of Gangnam Severance Hospital Respiratory Rehabilitation Center. Yonsei University Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation had already completed the patent application for the simplified emergency ventilator on April 24.

Professor Kang Seong-woong's team succeeded in developing the world's first simplified ventilator in 2016. The simplified emergency ventilator, for which the technology transfer agreement with Samwon Tech was recently completed, applies the 'bellows' type to overcome the drawbacks of conventional ambu bag-based ventilators. It is evaluated as a product that maintains the essential functions of existing simplified ventilators while offering excellent mobility, durability, and stability.

The ambu bag used in existing products has the disadvantage of pressure variation depending on its position. In contrast, the ventilator developed by Professor Kang Seong-woong's team applies a bellows method that can supply oxygen precisely and consistently. By controlling pressure and flow through the bellows, it allows free adjustment of tidal volume, respiratory rate per minute, and inspiratory to expiratory ratio, enabling stable oxygen supply and broad applicability to patients with various symptoms.

Professor Kang Seong-woong said, “While traveling around the world providing respiratory rehabilitation education, I have seen many patients in numerous countries who give up on ventilator use due to economic reasons despite it being life-sustaining. We developed the simplified ventilator to help these patients.”

Yonsei University Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation added, “Due to the spread of COVID-19, we have received supply requests from many domestic bio companies and ventilator manufacturers. Once mass production begins through this agreement, we expect to meet the related demand.”

According to the data analysis company 'Global Data,' the global demand for ventilators due to COVID-19 recently reached 880,000 units. However, companies capable of manufacturing ventilators independently are extremely limited.

Jongseok Lee, CEO of Samwon Tech, stated, "In line with Professor Kang Seong-woong’s intent, we plan to minimize production costs so that the Korean-style emergency ventilator can be purchased even in underdeveloped countries lacking medical equipment," adding, "We aim to obtain export approval in the shortest time and pursue related permits for export to Europe, the United States, and other regions.”