Terapet enters partnership with Korean entities for its breakthrough cancer therapy device
Life sciences
18 October 2023
From left to right: Prof. Han (Professor of Yonsei Cancer Center), Dr. Chun (CSO of Oncosoft), Prof. Dong Wook Kim (Clinical Professor, Yonsei Cancer Center), Laura Acosta (Swiss Embassy Representative), Prof. Ik Jae Lee (Director of Heavy Ion Therapy, Yonsei Cancer Center), Dr. Christina Vallgren (CEO of Terapet), Herve Duffour (Sales and Marketing director of Terapet), Prof. Jin Sung Kim (Chief Medical Physicist of Yonsei Cancer Center & CEO of Oncosoft). | © Terapet
Geneva-based CERN spin-off Terapet, together with South Korean partners, has secured a notable combined funding, continuing its streak of innovations in nuclear medicine.
Geneva-based medtech Terapet, in collaboration with its Korean partners Yonsei Cancer Center (Heavy Ion Therapy Center) and Oncosoft Inc., has been awarded around CHF 3 million in non-dilutive funds, courtesy of the Swiss Innovation Agency (Innosuisse) and the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT).
This joint endeavor aims to develop a novel patient-specific quality assurance device for Heavy Ion Therapy (HIT) at Yonsei Cancer Center – South Korea’s pioneer center for carbon ion therapy.
The announcement comes with the backdrop of a scheduled Collaboration Agreement Signing ceremony at the FARO-KOSRO 2023 congress in Seoul – the most prominent radiation oncology congress in the Asia-Pacific region. The collaboration is set to span the upcoming three years, with all consortium partners being fully funded.
Carbon ion therapy, an advanced treatment method, sets itself apart by its precise targeting of tumors, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. It’s a vital tool, especially when treating malignancies in proximity to critical organs, such as brain tumors. The reduced impact on healthy cells is also a significant advantage for younger patients with longer life expectancy post-treatment.
The bilateral Innosuisse-KIAT initiative fosters innovation projects between Switzerland and South Korea. Since its inception in 2013, it has consistently championed bilateral innovation, with a formal agreement signed in 2022. The collaboration’s prime directive is to boost knowledge exchange, cultivate lasting partnerships, and amplify business opportunities. These collaborative innovations aim to contribute value to the economy, society, and environment.
Accelerating accurate and safe therapeutic interventions
As a CERN spin-off, Terapet has distinguished itself in the medtech arena, with its state-of-the-art gamma ray detection system designed for imaging in nuclear medicine. Their suite of products finds application in hospitals, research institutions, and the pharmaceutical industry.
Yonsei Cancer Center is renowned for its medical excellence in South Korea, boasting top-tier medical facilities and an unparalleled research environment. Their debut in heavy ion therapy further solidifies their commitment to cutting-edge cancer treatment methodologies.
Oncosoft Inc., the third pillar of this collaboration, specializes in transforming radiographic data into 3D visualizations through AI technology, enhancing the accuracy of cancer diagnosis and treatment.
