Seegene Inc., South Korea's leading molecular diagnostics (MDx) company, has unveiled a global initiative for preemptive and routine PCR testing to help individuals stay safe and healthy while living in the COVID-19 era.

Dr. Jong-Yoon Chun, CEO of Seegene, said the initiative is designed to help people safely return to normalcy and contribute to global efforts to terminate COVID-19 and prevent future outbreaks.

Seegene's initiative dubbed 'In-life PCR,' entails 1) asymptomatic testing for early virus detection 2) syndromic respiratory testing as anti-virus restrictions are eased and 3) boosting PCR test accessibility through affordable pricing.

Seegene will provide Allplex SARS-CoV-2 FluA/FluB/RSV Assay, which can simultaneously detect SARS-CoV-2 (via the N, RdRP and S gene), influenza A and B, and RSV (A/B). The WHO recommends the screening of at least two target genes for SARS-CoV-2. Seegene's assay identifies three to maintain detection accuracy if new COVID-19 variants emerge. The six-target assay also includes two internal controls for added accuracy.

The company will work with hospitals and labs so that a test can cost around $12 to boost accessibility and encourage routine testing. High multiplex technologies that build upon the company's 20+ years of expertise in molecular diagnostics have enabled Seegene to lower the barrier to access.