#South Korea #Seoul #KAIST #Attoplex #VPrimer

Collaboration for Pandemic Response

On June 30, 2025, Attoplex Inc., a leader in in vitro diagnostic (IVD) devices, announced a strategic partnership with Professor Minsu Kim's research team from KAIST's School of Computing. This collaboration aims to revolutionize pandemic response by developing an AI-powered platform dedicated to designing PCR primers tailored for high-risk pathogens.

Overview of the MOU

The memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Attoplex and KAIST marks a significant step towards harnessing AI in medical diagnostics. The primary focus of this collaboration is to enhance diagnostic reagents, ensuring they maintain high sensitivity and specificity when identifying rapidly mutating pathogens, particularly RNA viruses. This initiative is crucial in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing threat of various viral infections including MERS and Ebola.

The VPrimer Technology

At the heart of this initiative is the innovative VPrimer technology, developed by Professor Kim's team. This algorithm analyzes a multitude of genetic variants from high-risk RNA viruses, automatically generating precise primer-probe sets with a remarkable coverage of over 95% of mutations. This level of accuracy significantly outperforms the designs crafted by established institutions such as the CDC and Europe's leading health research entities.

VPrimer not only demonstrates higher specificity without cross-reactivity to non-target viruses but also boasts a track record of international validation, showcasing its technological superiority in molecular diagnostics.

Goals of the Partnership

The overarching goal of this partnership is to enhance the accuracy of early diagnostic tests, thereby facilitating quicker and more effective responses to viral outbreaks. Attoplex will take the lead in the production, certification, and commercialization of these advanced diagnostic reagents, while KAIST will focus on refining the VPrimer algorithm and providing a robust AI-driven analytical platform.

Attoplex's Co-CEO, Hyunkyu Yoon, emphasized the urgent need for innovative solutions in the face of rapidly mutating viruses, stating, "The faster high-risk viruses mutate, the more the limitations of traditional diagnostic technologies are exposed. The integration of KAIST's cutting-edge VPrimer technology presents a unique opportunity to create a diagnostic framework that ensures rapid, accurate, and sustained effectiveness."

The Role of AI in Diagnostics

The collaboration highlights the transformative role of AI in healthcare diagnostics. As Professor Minsu Kim noted, "AI is no longer just a secondary tool; it is now the primary engine in designing diagnostic reagents." This further emphasizes the commitment of both organizations to not only creating cutting-edge technology but also facilitating its real-world application across clinical and industrial sectors.

In conclusion, this partnership between Attoplex and KAIST signifies a pivotal move towards the future of infectious disease diagnostics, harnessing the power of AI to respond effectively to emerging global health threats. With the combined expertise and resources, both entities are poised to set new standards in RNA virus diagnostics, ensuring a more prepared and resilient health landscape for future pandemics.