Seegene and Eidia Collaborate to Bring New Multiplex Molecular Diagnostic Tests to Japan

Seegene Inc., a leading developer of multiplexed molecular technologies and diagnostic tests, today announced that it has entered into a collaboration agreement with Eidia, the in vitro diagnostics subsidiary arm of Eisai Co., Ltd., a world leader in pharmaceuticals headquartered in Japan. Through this agreement, Eidia gains access to Seegene's portfolio of TOCE™ technology-based multiplexed molecular diagnostic (MoDx) tests for the large Japanese diagnostic test market.

"Our partnership with Eidia opens a significant sales channel for our novel diagnostic tests in Japan. We look forward to working with Eidia to improve patient healthcare with highly sensitive and specific multiplexed MoDx tests," said Dr. Jong-Yoon Chun, founder, CTO and CEO of Seegene. "This deal with Eidia further supports Seegene's leadership in multiplexed molecular technologies and enhances Seegene's strategic market presence in Asia."

Under the terms of the agreement, Seegene will supply a wide range of TOCE™ technology-based multiplexed molecular diagnostic tests, and Eidia will exclusively market and distribute them in Japan. In addition, Eidia will be responsible for obtaining regulatory clearance from the Japanese Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Agency.

Enhancing Seegene's market presence in Japan is a key part of Seegene's long-term growth strategy. Partnering with Eidia, an in vitro diagnostic market leader in Japan, will accelerate the adoption of innovative MoDx in that market.

Japan is the third largest diagnostics market in the $52 billion global diagnostics industry, behind North America and Europe.

About DPO and TOCE technologies
DPO™ technology is a fundamental tool for blocking extension of non-specifically primed templates generating consistently high specificity. TOCE enables simultaneous multiple assay testing, by separating genes (that have been amplified with the real-time PCR technology) using the differences in their melting temperatures. Prior to TOCE, multiple assays were difficult because even a small variation in the amplified gene sequence changes the melting temperature of the genes; and reduces the number of fluorescent signals that can be tested at the same time, due to fluorescent intervention among amplified genes. TOCE technology overcomes these limitations. It allows testing of multiple pathogens with one fluorescent material by ensuring that sequence variation does not change the melting temperature of the genes.