[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hyowon] Digital Optics announced on the 16th that it has signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Noble Bio and Aptigem MJ for the joint commercialization of the development, production, and domestic and international sales of COVID-19 self-testing genetic test kits.
From the left, Moon Hyo-young, CEO of Aptigemj, Baek Gye-seung, Chairman of Noble Bio, and Kim Ki-tae, President of Digital Optic Medical Equipment Business Division. / Photo by Digital Optic
Aptigem MJ developed Korea's first loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) molecular diagnostic method with false positive correction and commercialized a COVID-19 false positive molecular diagnostic kit based on its unique false positive correction technology.
Aptigem MJ's false positive correction molecular diagnostic method shortens diagnostic time by amplifying genes at a constant temperature, unlike RT-PCR which amplifies genes by repeatedly changing temperatures. Additionally, unlike conventional RT-PCR equipment, it allows free addition of test samples through low-cost, on-site isothermal devices, maximizing operational efficiency by reducing the burden on medical personnel.
In particular, Aptigem MJ is gaining attention for significantly improving diagnostic accuracy by using Korea's first loop-mediated isothermal amplification molecular diagnostic method to distinguish false positives, thereby solving the major drawback of existing test methods?the false positive issue. After completing clinical trials currently underway at COVID-19 hub hospitals, it plans to accelerate sales through certification from the U.S. FDA and Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for the COVID-19 false positive correction diagnostic kit.
Digital Optics plans to speed up the development and sales of highly accurate COVID-19 self-testing genetic test kits through collaboration with Aptigem MJ and Noble Bio, which possess this molecular diagnostic platform. Based on this, the company intends to steadily expand its in vitro diagnostic business area, including rapid antigen detection kits and self-testing genetic test kits.
A company official explained, "As we are actively developing COVID-19 rapid antigen detection kits with Biofront, a specialized diagnostic kit development company, we expect to accelerate the development of highly accurate COVID-19 self-testing genetic test kits through this MOU with Aptigem MJ. Based on this, we anticipate building a value chain in the in vitro diagnostics field by continuously expanding our product portfolio from rapid antigen and antibody diagnostic kits to molecular diagnostic kits and other in vitro diagnostic devices."
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