Seegene's CURECA™: A New Era in PCR Testing Automation
In a groundbreaking revelation at the recent ESCMID Global 2025, Seegene Inc., a leader in molecular diagnostics, unveiled a concept video for its revolutionary CURECA™ system. This innovative technology is poised to transform the landscape of PCR testing by fully automating sample processing from the primary handling stage to result analysis.
CURECA™ is designed with a fully modular approach, which allows laboratories to streamline multiple steps of the diagnostic workflow. This ambitious system can process various types of samples, including stool, urine, blood, and saliva, significantly reducing the risk of human error commonly associated with manual methods. Moreover, CURECA™ is being developed with future integration in mind, aiming to fit seamlessly into surveillance workflows within adaptable laboratory environments.
During the ESCMID event held in Vienna, Austria, more than 2,300 attendees including representatives from Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and Canada, expressed their excitement about the potential of CURECA™. Feedback from professionals in the field indicated that the system promises to eliminate tedious and error-prone manual processes while delivering faster, more reliable results. As one industry expert stated, “CURECA™ not only addresses the hurdles of human error but also facilitates rapid testing devoid of labor and time constraints.”
The Customizable Preprocessing System (CPS)
At the core of CURECA™ is the customizable preprocessing system (CPS), designed to automate the loading of primary sample tubes and streamline the pre-treatment process. Young-Seag Baeg, head of Strategy and Planning at Seegene, encapsulated the essence of CPS, asserting it will significantly enhance operations across various diagnostic fields, particularly molecular diagnostics and clinical chemistry. According to multiple participants at ESCMID 2025, the CPS is expected to revolutionize in vitro diagnostics by resolving limitations posed by manual procedures.
One prominent laboratory director noted, “The increase in workflow efficiency with CURECA™ will be especially beneficial for testing sexually transmitted infections, where manual handling of multiple sample tubes can create unnecessary operator fatigue.” Thus, the CPS's integration is seen as a pivotal change in routine laboratory operations, paving the way for enhanced productivity.
Modular Design for Tailored Diagnostics
Following the preprocessing phase, molecular diagnostic testing traditionally involves steps such as nucleic acid extraction and PCR amplification. For samples that do not require preprocessing, Seegene offers an alternative system known as the Primary Sample Aliquoting System (PAS), designed to facilitate direct loading and distribution of primary samples. Seegene's vision includes a modular solution called CEFA (Customizable Expandable Full Automation), allowing labs the flexibility to configure their systems according to specific operational needs.
“We aim to leverage CURECA’s modular architecture to support a wide range of diagnostic applications,” emphasized Baeg, highlighting the ability of CURECA™ to function as a complete system or as individual modules that can be adapted for varying operational requirements.
Optimizing Laboratory Workflow
The modular nature of CURECA™ is not just about automation; it's about adaptability. Designed to fit various lab spaces and layouts, this system can be configured to meet the specific needs of each lab, enhancing operational efficiency. Feedback from laboratory professionals during ESCMID 2025 underscored the significance of this flexibility, with many asserting that it allows the establishment of workflows capable of producing high-quality results with minimal reliance on standardized setups.
Jong-Yoon Chun, CEO of Seegene, noted, “The enthusiastic reception of our concept video and the vision behind CURECA™ reflect the growing demand for next-generation diagnostic solutions.” The potential of CURECA™ is poised to reshape the global PCR diagnostic landscape, fulfilling a critical market need for efficiency and reliability.
Overall, Seegene's CURECA™ not only promises to enhance PCR testing through its innovative design and features but is also a step towards creating diagnostic environments that can adapt to evolving healthcare challenges. As the July launch approaches, anticipation continues to build around this revolutionary system.
About Seegene:
Founded over 20 years ago, Seegene has established itself as a pioneer in real-time syndromic PCR technologies, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when it distributed over 340 million tests across more than 100 countries. The company’s commitment to innovation continues with CURECA™, a technology that aims to simultaneously test multiple pathogens in a single tube, providing invaluable quantitative data for healthcare professionals.