JW Biotech Releases Video Production Showcasing Applications of Genomic and Metabolomic Analysis

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hyowon] Amid growing concerns over the misuse of health functional foods, biotechnology service specialist company GW Biotech (CEO Yang Jaewon) announced on the 19th that it has produced a public interest video. The company revealed the video titled “Preparing for a Healthy Life, Genetic Testing” on its YouTube channel and pledged to take the lead in preventing the misuse of health functional foods.

The video provides objective information in the form of an expert doctor’s interview, covering the accurate definition of genetic testing, its necessity, and common misconceptions among the general public, enabling individuals to make informed decisions about genetic testing. GW Biotech plans not only to release this video but also to produce a series of short-form videos to educate the general public.

This year, the company established and operates an affiliated bio-technology research institute by recruiting three experts, including genome research specialist Dr. Jung Hyunseop and other Ph.D. holders in science. The institute aims to analyze various omics data such as genomics and metabolomics to go beyond existing precision diagnostics, predict diseases, and ultimately discover new drug candidates for personalized precision medicine.

According to a report by the Korea Health Functional Food Association, the health functional food market exceeded 5 trillion won for the first time last year and is rapidly growing every year. A remarkable 81.1% of surveyed households purchased health functional foods at least once a year, with an average purchase amount of 313,202 won per household. In 2020, 80.2% of households spent 311,119 won on health functional foods. As the concept of health management shifts from treatment to prevention, the health functional food market is recognized as a “big market.”

In contrast, the company has paid attention to the increasing misuse of health functional foods. A company representative stated, “Experts commonly agree that health functional foods can cause problems due to side effects, so special caution is needed when taking them.” For example, red ginseng, a representative health functional food, requires careful attention depending on whether the user is taking blood anticoagulants, and even common vitamin C can cause side effects such as kidney stones, indigestion, headaches, and insomnia if overused.

To address these issues, the development of “personalized health functional foods” that scientifically analyze customers’ physical conditions using multi-omics technology and supply the necessary health functional foods is considered a solution. Genetic testing, a branch of omics (OMICS) testing, can reveal innate body constitution. It can determine whether vitamin C or caffeine is rapidly expelled from the body or if one is genetically predisposed to high blood sugar. Additionally, metabolomics testing, which directly examines metabolites in blood, urine, etc., can recommend the most needed health functional foods at present.

A company representative explained, “Only by thoroughly checking an individual’s overall condition, including lifestyle habits and genetic constitution, can the appropriate health functional foods be selected and misuse controlled. Until now, consumers have purchased products based on health checkup results received once every one or two years, judging by liver function, blood sugar, and blood pressure. With the advent of omics analysis, optimized choices tailored to each individual are now possible.”

Dr. Jung Hyunseop, General Director of the Bio-Technology Research Institute, said, “This video and future releases will serve as an opportunity to correct misinformation about genetic analysis,” adding, “We will expand the production of related videos and research to promote genetic analysis.”