Atoplex

Atoplex, established in 2019, is a South Korean biotechnology company specializing in molecular immunodiagnosis. The company develops and manufactures in-vitro diagnostic medical devices, including home-test systems and diagnostic kits, designed for fast, accurate, and affordable detection of infectious and genetic diseases. Atoplex was co-founded by Yoon Hyeon-gyu and Jeong In-hyeok. The founders were classmates at Hanyang University, where they both studied biochemistry. Yoon brings extensive R&D experience from his time as the R&D center director at Bioneer, South Korea's first biotech venture company, while Jeong contributes a decade of experience as a VC bio-specialist.

The company's business model is centered on the 'One Health' concept, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Atoplex develops diagnostic solutions for a wide range of applications, including human health (e.g., COVID-19, STIs, respiratory diseases), animal diagnostics, and food safety testing. They aim to serve primary care clinics, veterinary hospitals, and the general public through a combination of Real-Time PCR kits and point-of-care testing (POCT) systems. A key product is the 'GenHome' system, a point-of-care device utilizing isothermal amplification technology to deliver results within 30 minutes. The company has also collaborated with Aston Science to develop companion diagnostics (CDx) for oncology treatments.

Since its founding as a private entity in 2013 and incorporation in 2019, Atoplex has achieved several milestones. It has secured approximately 9.2 billion KRW in total funding from investors including DTN Investment, Now IB Capital, K2 Investment Partners, and Korea Investment Partners. The company has obtained CE-IVDD certification for ten of its molecular diagnostic kits, including one for Norovirus and another for distinguishing the Omicron variant of COVID-19, allowing for export. Atoplex has also registered around 20 patents and received a CES Innovation Award for its 'GenHome' system in the digital healthcare category.

Keywords: molecular immunodiagnosis, home testing systems, point-of-care testing, in-vitro diagnostics, One Health, companion diagnostics, real-time PCR, infectious disease testing, genetic disease diagnostics, veterinary diagnostics, food safety testing, isothermal amplification, CE-IVDD, digital healthcare, biotechnology, medical devices, diagnostic kits, pathogen detection, virus detection, bacteria detection