Werfen and Seegene Partner for Technology Sharing Initiative

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Werfen finalized its agreement with Seegene Inc. to form a partnership as part of a technology sharing initiative.¹ The two companies will form a new company, NewCo, in Spain, pending regulatory approval. This company is expected to be formed during the first half of 2025.

Seegene has a technology sharing initiative with the goal of sharing its advanced diagnostic and and data analysis technologies across the globe. Werfen is the first European company to join in the initiative.

In a press release, Werfen CEO Carlos Pascual said, “Over the past decade, our collaboration with Seegene has showcased the significant impact of their syndromic PCR diagnostic tests on healthcare. We are excited to leverage Seegene's unparalleled technology and manufacturing expertise to develop products tailored for the Spanish and Portuguese market, where there is a high demand for rapid product development due to the frequent emergence of new infectious diseases and viral mutations. This partnership with Seegene will enable us to expand our footprint and respond swiftly to any outbreaks.”

In the same press release, Seegene founder and CEO Dr. Jong-Yoon Chun added, “We have high expectations for this NewCo, which will combine Werfen's extensive business experience with Seegene's leading syndromic product development and production capabilities. We will continue to share our technology with leading global companies and countries that are interested in our technology-sharing initiative. Werfen-Seegene will play a pivotal role in accelerating global expansion of our initiative.”

In other news, Seegene recently announced an expansion of its mpox RUO lineup, adding enhanced detection assays for Clade 1, the deadlier and more transmissible version of the virus.²

In a press release from early September, Seegene executive vice president and chief global sales and marketing officer Daniel Shin said, “As the spread of mpox continues unabated, we have developed new RUO assays for detection of viruses causing the mpox to meet the increasing research demand from affected countries. We are committed to actively supporting global efforts to curb the spread of mpox.”

Seegene also recently announced the launch of the Nature Awards MDx Impact Grants, in partnership with Springer Nature.³ The program will provide grants to projects dedicated to developing new tests for huma infectious diseases, and applications will be open until December 2, 2024.

In a press release, Seegene vice president and R&D division head Dr. Jik Young Park said, “We are thrilled to embark on this new phase with Springer Nature. The new programme reflects the strong global interest generated by last year's initiative. We are committed to driving the development and commercialization of innovative syndromic PCR products that will originate from the visionary minds in the global research community."

In the same press release, Springer Nature chief operating officer Marc Spenle added, “By allowing scientists to directly propose their ideas for product development, we anticipate expanding the range of innovation and ensuring that projects meet unmet clinical needs. Springer Nature will leverage its extensive network in the scientific community to foster robust participation and ensure the success of this collaborative program."

Sources

1. Seegene and Werfen Finalize Partnership Agreement on Technology-Sharing Initiative. Seegene Inc. October 8, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/seegene-and-werfen-finalize-partnership-agreement-on-technology-sharing-initiative-302269902.html
2. Seegene Expands mpox RUO Product Lineups with Enhanced Detection Assays for Clade 1. Seegene Inc. September 9, 2024. Accessed October 8, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/seegene-expands-mpox-ruo-product-lineups-with-enhanced-detection-assays-for-clade-1-302242089.html
3. Seegene and Springer Nature Launch 'Nature Awards MDx Impact Grants' to Innovate Syndromic PCR Diagnostic Assays. Seegene Inc. September 2, 2024. Accessed October 8, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/seegene-and-springer-nature-launch-nature-awards-mdx-impact-grants-to-innovate-syndromic-pcr-diagnostic-assays-302235984.html