#South Korea #CES 2025 #Jeonbuk National University #Pet Healthcare #Jeonbuk

JBNU's Breakthrough in Pet Cancer Detection

Jeonbuk National University (JBNU), located in South Korea, has made headlines once again as its research team, led by Professor Chul Gyu Song, clinched the CES 2025 Innovation Award in the Digital Health category. This accomplishment marks a significant milestone as it is the second consecutive year that JBNU has been recognized at this prestigious technology showcase. Last year, the team was awarded for their Bioimaging Device for Real-Time Vascular Wellness. This year, their focus shifts to enhancing healthcare for our furry companions with an early cancer detection device for animals.

The Award-Winning Device: Early Cancer Detection

The innovative device employs a method where fluorescent substances are injected into an animal’s body to selectively target and illuminate cancer cells, making early detection possible. This cutting-edge approach builds upon existing technology originally developed for detecting thrombosis in humans, showcasing JBNU’s dedication to transforming medical diagnostics.

The research team has invested over KRW 2 billion (approximately USD 1.6 million) into the project, working rigorously through the Industrial Core Technology Development Program. Their efforts paid off, as clinical trials conducted in partnership with Harvard Medical School confirmed the efficacy and accuracy of their technology.

Addressing Pet Owner Needs

Unlike conventional diagnostic tools, this device specifically caters to pet owners eager to monitor their animals' health proactively. The expanding pet healthcare market has created a demand for effective and accessible diagnostics, thus making this product highly relevant. The CES 2025 judges recognized the device’s completeness, technological sophistication, innovative nature, and market potential, all crucial factors for the award.

Professor Song expressed his delight at the success, saying, "Developing this specialized technology in line with the booming pet healthcare industry is a significant achievement for our team. To earn the Innovation Award for the second year running is a tremendous honor. We remain committed to advancing clinical research and refining our product for enhanced accuracy in pet cancer diagnostics."

The accomplishments of the LINC 3.0 Project at JBNU have been pivotal, as they support this innovative research and its commercialization ventures. Collaborations with various partners aim to expand the global reach of such groundbreaking products.

Looking Ahead in Animal Healthcare

The early cancer detection device is not just an achievement; it represents a significant leap in the pet healthcare sector. Aligning with JBNU's broader globalization strategy, this innovation is expected to open doors to both domestic and international market opportunities.

The device will be featured prominently at CES 2025 from January 7 to 10 in Las Vegas, at the Eureka Park and Innovation Award Showcase. This event will provide an opportunity for the public and industry experts to witness firsthand the revolutionary technology shaping the future of animal healthcare.

As the landscape of veterinary medicine evolves, devices like JBNU's early cancer detection tool demonstrate the institution’s commitment to advancing health outcomes, ensuring that pets receive the care and early intervention they deserve. With such innovations, JBNU is positioned as a leader in the pet healthcare market, paving the way for future developments and enhancing the health and well-being of animals worldwide.