Published : 1 month ago, on 08/11/2024

From left: Marc Spenlé, COO of Springer Nature; Dr. Jong-Yoon Chun, CEO and Founder of Seegene; and Elena Bonfiglioli, Vice President of Global Business Leader Healthcare, Pharma and Life Science at Microsoft during Technology-Sharing Initiative Partner Roundtable in Springer Nature Campus, London, United Kingdom on October 23, 2024.

• Seegene, Microsoft, and Springer Nature are collaborating on a global technology-sharing initiative that combines AI-driven diagnostics and PCR technology to better prepare for future pandemics and improve public health infrastructure worldwide 
• Showcased preliminary results of product development automation and statistical analysis of syndromic test results powered by Microsoft’s AI technology
• The multiparty collaboration aims to drive collective impact ahead of ‘a world free from diseases’ declaration ceremony in 2025

Seegene Inc., Microsoft, and Springer Nature are advancing a global technology-sharing initiative that combines AI-driven diagnostics and PCR technology to improve public health infrastructure and prepare for future pandemics.

A Vision for Global Health Security

Seegene Inc., a leading South Korean molecular diagnostic company, is seeking to build a “world free from diseases” though a partnership with Microsoft and Springer Nature. The collaboration aims to enhance diagnostic accessibility and pioneer innovation in public health. Dr. Jong-Yoon Chun, the CEO and founder of Seegene, presented the vision of the multiparty initiative at the first executive roundtable on October 23 at the Springer Nature’s campus in London. At the meeting, the three companies discussed Seegene’s technology-sharing initiative in creating a foundation for global health security, sharing preliminary results from an automated diagnostic development system powered by Microsoft’s AI technology. 

“By integrating Seegene’s proprietary syndromic real-time PCR technology, Microsoft’s AI and cloud services, and Springer Nature’s global scientific network, we will open new pathways for collaboration among scientists and experts,” Chun said.

Strengthening Localized Diagnostic Capabilities 

One of the primary goals of the technology-sharing initiative is to promote advanced diagnostic and data-analysis technologies through an open-innovation approach. This involves sharing Seegene’s multiplex technology, which enables simultaneous testing for multiple pathogens and automated systems for test development, with partner organizations worldwide. According to Dr. Chun, Seegene aims to create a robust network that empowers scientists globally, strengthening their ability to respond quickly to both human and non-human diseases. 

With climate change intensifying the risks of outbreaks, Seegene envisions “a world free from diseases,” where infectious diseases and cancer are minimized, and animals and plants thrive in a healthier ecosystem. The company’s syndromic PCR technology can detect up to 14 pathogens in a single reaction tube, providing critical data for accurate diagnosis. Multi-tube panel tests can also be designed to cover a comprehensive range of pathogens with overlapping symptoms, making Seegene’s technology a powerful tool for mitigating the growing threat of multi-pandemics.

Integrating AI and Cloud Technology for Widespread Access 

In his keynote speech, Dr. Chun emphasized how leveraging different technologies – AI, cloud computing, and next-generation sequencing—can maximize the impact of PCR testing and expand accessibility. Without such technologies, Mr. Chun said, a pandemic such as the COVID-19 would have been more challenging to manage. “Today, we have advanced tools to transform disease prevention, but collaboration is key to ensure these innovations reach and benefit everyone.” 

Dr. Jong-Yoon Chun, CEO and Founder of Seegene, shares insights during his keynote speech at Springer Nature Campus in London on Oct. 23, 2024.

Seegene’s strategy includes making diagnostic tools available for routine use, from homes to workplaces. Dr. Chun explained that AI-driven oligonucleotide design can streamline processes that once required specialized expertise, enabling scientists worldwide to develop diagnostics tailored to address local health challenges. Localized capability is critical for faster, region-specific response to emerging health threats. Climate change, for example, is altering pathogen behavior and increasing cross-species infection risks.

Vision for Health Equity: PCR Tests as Accessible as Vending Machines 

Looking ahead, Dr. Chun outlined Seegene’s plan to make at-home PCR testing widely accessible and affordable, predicting a world where individuals are able to perform routine health checks independently. 

“Within the next 10 years, I expect diagnostic testing could become as accessible as vending machines,” Dr. Chun explained. 

He said such a shift would help ease the burden of healthcare systems, promote health equity and enable continuous global disease surveillance. 

Dr. Jong-Yoon Chun, CEO and Founder of Seegene, speaking during a media roundtable at Springer Nature Campus in London on Oct. 23, 2024.

During the meeting, Seegene and Microsoft demonstrated the preliminary results of integrating Microsoft’s Azure Open AI into Seegene’s automated product development system (SGDDS). This AI integration significantly reduced the time required to analyze scientific literature, optimizing the development process. The companies also showcased a proof of concept for Seegene’s syndromic-based statistical analysis system, which leverages Fabric, Microsoft’s AI-driven data integration platform, to uncover statistical correlations among multiple pathogens with similar symptoms. The approach supports accurate diagnosis and treatment as well as predictive modeling for future outbreaks.

Demonstrating Advances in AI-Driven Diagnostics

Garrett Lewis, Microsoft’s director of population health, underscored the importance of the collaboration between Microsoft, Seegene, and Springer Nature in preparing for the next pandemic. “The challenge for all of us is to look forward to the next pandemic and ask, what will we do differently in that first 100 days? Not just Seegene, Springer Nature, and Microsoft, but all of us — how are we going to make the most of it? Tasks that previously took weeks can now be done within minutes,” he said.

Building a Robust Global Diagnostic Network 

Companies joining the technology-sharing initiative will gain access to Seegene’s advanced diagnostic technology and expertise, enabling them to develop and manufacture syndromic real-time PCR products tailored to their countries’ public health needs. By localizing these capabilities, communities can respond effectively to future outbreaks and multi-pathogen pandemics.

In May 2024, Seegene and Springer Nature signed a strategic alliance agreement to expand the Open Innovation Program (OIP), promoting global scientific participation in PCR diagnostic development. “We anticipate the MDx Impact Grants will work synergistically with the technology-sharing initiative, serving as a catalyst for greater adoption of PCR molecular diagnostics. Together we will build an ecosystem that promotes the development of accurate, rapid, and accessible tests for underserved populations,” said Marc Spenlé, COO of Springer Nature.

Firing on All Cylinders: A New Phase in Global Health Readiness 

Seegene has established the business framework for its technology-sharing initiative and developed standard contracts with partner companies over the past three years. “Seegene is now truly ready to share with partners in every country around the world, including the U.K.,” Chun added.

Prof. Dame Jenny Harries, chief executive of the U.K. Health Security Agency, attended the event as a keynote speaker. During her visit to South Korea in March 2024, Harries met with Chun to discuss Seegene’s pandemic response and achievements, as well as the company’s technology-sharing initiatives and the Open Innovation Program.

Advancing its mission, Seegene plans to host a declaration ceremony in 2025 to advance its technology-sharing initiative, enhance global readiness for future outbreaks, and strengthen healthcare systems worldwide.