From left are BioTNS Co-CEOs Lee Seung-il, Kim Bong-suk, Kim Dong-wook, professor of Eulji University Hospital, and Kim Hong-tae, professor of UNIST. Courtesy of BioTNS

BioTNS, a specialist in ultra-precision liquid biopsies, said Tuesday that it has embarked on an international blood cancer project using its self-developed Digital PCR platform, LQ Suite.

Officially titled "Development and Commercialization of a Blood Cancer Precision Diagnosis Platform Based on Multi-omics/Digital Integrated Analysis," the project is a large-scale initiative supported by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, involving 14 domestic and international hospitals and the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST).

Professor Kim Dong-wook of Eulji University Hospital, who is the overall project coordinator, and professor Kim Hong-tae of UNIST, the chairman of the operation committee, are leading this initiative.

The ultimate goal of the project is to commercialize at least five types of blood cancer diagnostic kits and diagnostic equipment based on Digital PCR, and to establish a global blood cancer network.

BioTNS is planning to develop ultra-precision diagnostic kits using genetic biomarkers currently owned or newly developed by the project team. Clinical trials will be conducted using samples provided by participating hospitals. After obtaining the necessary approvals, these hospitals will function as demand outlets, and BioTNS also plans to enter international markets.

The company has already developed two types of blood cancer diagnostic kits. Its kit for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) will begin the regulatory approval process with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration this month and is expected to receive approval early next year and start supplying domestic hospitals. With the approval of these blood cancer diagnostic kits, BioTNS anticipates entering a significant growth phase in sales, offering LQ Suite equipment, consumables and diagnostic kits simultaneously.

Launched by the company in 2021, the LQ Suite Digital PCR platform, based on microdroplet technology, offers faster, more precise and more cost-effective diagnostics compared to traditional tissue biopsies, imaging diagnostics and second-generation PCR technologies. This platform, providing the highest precision in existing diagnostic technology (99.99 percent), marks the widespread distribution of a groundbreaking technology capable of diagnosing cancer from just a drop of blood.

“The company is committed to continuing the development of innovative cancer diagnostics products based on the LQ Suite Digital PCR platform, aiming to lead the ultra-precision liquid biopsy market in the era of precision medicine,” BioTNS CEO Lee Seung-il said.