Theragen Etex

What Theragen Etex does

Theragen Etex Inc. is a South Korean pharmaceutical and biotechnology group, originally founded in 1987 as Changho Pharm and headquartered at Daegwan Bldg., 190 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul. The group operates through wholly-owned subsidiaries including Theragen Bio (genome analysis and NGS), Medpacto (novel anticancer drug development, spun off in 2013), Leadpharm (pharmacy distribution), Theragen Healthcare (medical supplies manufacturing/distribution), and Theragen Genomecare (non-invasive prenatal diagnosis). Group leadership includes Group CEO Jin-Up Ko and TheragenEtex CEO Samuel Hwang, who served as the 3rd President of the Korea Genome Industry Council from July 2019 to June 2021.

The group is structured around two reinforcing pillars: a precision-medicine biotech stack and a traditional pharmaceutical distribution business. Theragen Bio provides NGS-based genome analysis services — whole-genome, exome, and RNA sequencing — using NovaSeq6000 instrumentation and proprietary AI/ML algorithms for applications including cancer risk prediction, immunotherapy response forecasting (82% accuracy in NSCLC), gastric microbiota analysis, immunogenicity prediction for vaccine design, and forensic facial-metric age estimation. Medpacto is developing Vactosertib (TEW-7197), a TGF-β inhibitor in clinical trials in Korea and the US in combination with KEYTRUDA and IMFINZI, and TEJ-1704, an oral ALS drug designated by the Korea Drug Development Fund. Theragen Etex's pharma arm manufactures and distributes approximately 200 specialty and generic medicines — including incrementally modified drugs and orphan drugs — under PIC/S GMP certification through the Leadpharm distribution network and 9 domestic branches. The group also operates the government-certified DTC genetic testing brands Jinstyle (78 wellness items) and TerraViome (gut microbiome), exporting genome analysis services to 40+ countries and running the National Health and Nutrition Survey genome project for the Korea National Institute of Health.

The group's revenue model spans four streams: pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution (Leadpharm), professional genome analysis and NGS services exported globally, DTC genetic testing under Jinstyle (subscription/recurring), and a clinical-stage drug pipeline (Medpacto/Vactosertib) positioned for future licensing/royalty income. Customers include hospitals and research institutions (Kyung Hee University Hospital, Yonsei Cancer Hospital, Severance Hospital), pharmacies and medical institutions nationwide, pharmaceutical companies, government agencies (Korean National Police Agency, KNIH/KCDC), telecom partners (LG Uplus), and individual consumers via Jinstyle. The group pursues a hybrid GTM motion combining sales-led B2B engagement (enterprise genomics, hospital research collaborations, pharmaceutical distribution) with direct-to-consumer DTC genetic testing through online, retail, and telecom channels.

Name

Theragen Etex

Legal name

Theragen Etex Inc.

Website

https://theragenetex.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1987

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Theragen Etex is a South Korean pharmaceutical and biotechnology group combining genome analysis services and AI-driven diagnostics (Theragen Bio) with PIC/S-GMP pharmaceutical manufacturing, nationwide medicine distribution (Leadpharm), and clinical-stage novel drug development (Medpacto/Vactosertib), serving hospitals, research institutions, pharmacies, and consumers across 40+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Precision Medicine / Pharmaceutical Biotechnology

NAICS

Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing (325412), Drugs and Druggists' Sundries Merchant Wholesalers (424210)

SIC

Pharmaceutical Preparations (2834), In Vitro & In Vivo Diagnostic Substances (2835)

akta.pro primary industry

Pharmacogenomics (PGx) Decision Support (HLAAANAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

Impurity / Reference Standard Synthesis & Characterization (HLAGAHAG)

Keywords

• Genome analysis services
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Precision medicine
• NGS sequencing
• Anticancer drug development

Headquarters

HQ city

Suwon

HQ country

South Korea

HQ region

Asia

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Pharmaceutical Manufacturing & Distribution: Production and supply of medicines including about 200 kinds of specialty and generic drugs. Manufacturing and distribution of IMDs (Incrementally Modified Drugs) and orphan drugs. Stable supply through distribution affiliates nationwide.
2. Genome Analysis Services: NGS-based genome analysis services exported to 40+ countries. Whole-genome, exome, and RNA sequencing services. Customized diagnostic solutions and medical big data services.
3. DTC Genetic Testing: Direct-to-consumer genetic testing under 'Jinstyle' brand offering 78 detailed test items covering wellness areas including nutrition, exercise, skin, hair, diet, and ancestry.
4. Novel Drug Development: Development of novel anticancer drugs including Vactosertib (TEW-7197) currently in clinical trials in Korea and US. Subsidiary Medpacto focuses on anticancer drug development.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Theragen Etex is a South Korean comprehensive pharmaceutical and biotechnology group combining gene analysis capability and personalized drug development for precision medicine. Its subsidiaries deliver NGS-based genome analysis services and DTC genetic testing (Theragen Bio, Jinstyle brand), pharmaceutical manufacturing and nationwide distribution of about 200 specialty and generic medicines including IMDs and orphan drugs (Theragen Etex, Leadpharm, Theragen Healthcare), and novel anticancer drug development including Vactosertib (Medpacto).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Jinstyle: DTC (Direct to Consumer) genetic testing service offering 78 detailed items covering nutrients, health management, skin/hair, exercise characteristics, dietary habits, caffeine/alcohol/nicotine response, and ancestry
• TerraViome

Products and services

• Theragen Etex Pharmaceutical Manufacturing & Distribution Production and nationwide distribution of about 200 specialty and generic medicines, including incrementally modified drugs (IMDs) and orphan drugs, manufactured under PIC/S GMP certification and supplied through 9 LeadPharm distribution branches to hospitals and pharmacies.
• Theragen Bio Genome Analysis & NGS Services NGS-based genome analysis services including whole-genome sequencing, exome sequencing, RNA sequencing, customized diagnostic solutions, and medical big data analytics for hospitals, research institutions, and biopharmaceutical companies globally.
• Jinstyle DTC Genetic Testing Service Direct-to-consumer genetic testing brand offering 78 government-certified items across wellness areas including nutrition, exercise, skin, hair, diet, caffeine/alcohol/nicotine response, and ancestry, with expansion via the LG Uplus digital healthcare platform.
• TerraViome Gut Microbiome Testing Service Gut microbiome testing service that analyzes the balance of beneficial and harmful bacteria, identifies probiotic species, and provides gut health solutions to consumers.
• Vactosertib (TEW-7197) Anticancer Drug Selective TGF-β (Transforming Growth Factor Beta) inhibitor novel anticancer drug being developed by Medpacto in Phase 1b/2a clinical trials in Korea and the US, including combination therapy with KEYTRUDA for colon cancer and IMFINZI for NSCLC.
• TEJ-1704 ALS Oral Drug Novel oral drug candidate for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease) developed jointly with J2H Biotech under Korea Drug Development Fund national project designation.
• Theragen Genomecare Non-Invasive Prenatal Diagnosis (NIPT) Non-invasive prenatal diagnosis (NIPT) service offered through subsidiary Theragen Genomecare.
• LG Uplus Digital Healthcare Platform (with Jin Style) Digital healthcare platform integrating Theragen Bio's genome-based AI and big data technology with LG Uplus mobile and home telecom service channels to deliver DTC genetic testing and microbiome-based personalized health solutions to consumers under the Jin Style brand.

Quantifiable outcome

• Colon cancer patients with MSS genotype showed 16.7% and 33.3% ORR with Vactosertib + KEYTRUDA combination vs 0% with KEYTRUDA monotherapy
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability13 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• LG UpluscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 April 2021TheragenBio signed MOU with LG Uplus for digital healthcare service development. Combines TheragenBio's genome-based AI and big data technology with LG Uplus's mobile and home communication service platforms. Plans to provide DTC genetic testing and microbiome-based customized health solutions to consumers.
• BioneercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2019TheragenEtex Bio Institute signed MoU on joint R&D and business operation in genomic analysis field with Bioneer. Strategic partnership for NGS technology sophistication and relevant service business. Companies will share research capabilities, resources, facilities, equipment, and promote informational exchange.
• Kyung Hee University Hospital at GangdongcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTheragenEtex Bio Institute conducted genetic research on diseases after renal transplantation with the hospital. Discovered and confirmed genetic markers for prediction of chronic diseases post-renal transplant. TheragenEtex supported the research team and provided high-quality genome analysis services.
• J2H BiotechcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint R&D with J2H Biotech to develop TEJ-1704, a new oral drug for Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS). TheragenEtex designated as managing organization for Trans-Governmental Full Cycle Novel Drug Development Project under KDDF funding until June 2020.
• National Cancer CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConducted 7-year epidemiological study (2007-2014) on relationship between gastric microbiota and gastric cancer risk with research team from National Cancer Center. Published findings in Scientific Reports journal.
• Yonsei Cancer Hospital / Yonsei University College of MedicinecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint research with professors from Yonsei Cancer Hospital and Yonsei University College of Medicine to develop AI algorithm predicting immunotherapy response rates. Achieved 82% prediction accuracy for lung cancer treatment response.
• Yongin Severance HospitalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint research to discover new indicators for diabetes risk prediction using CRP levels and albumin ratio. Found that higher CAR (CRP to albumin ratio) increases diabetes risk by 1.6 times.
• Korea National Institute of Health (KNIH)coreOthersSelected as sole managing organization for 'National Health and Nutrition Survey Participant Genome Information Construction' project for 2 consecutive years. Will produce genomic data for 4,800 participants using KoreanChip platform and WGS analysis under ~700 million KRW government funding.
• Korea Drug Development Fund (KDDF)coreOthersKDDF designated TheragenEtex as managing organization for Trans-Governmental Full Cycle Novel Drug Development Project. R&D funding provided for Lou Gehrig's disease oral drug development (TEJ-1704) until June 2020.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Macrogen: Korea's largest genome analysis and NGS services company, directly competing with Theragen Bio in clinical NGS, whole-genome sequencing, and genomic data services to hospitals and research institutions across Asia. Closest direct peer given overlapping Korean genomic services market and similar export footprint.
• Bioneer: Korean molecular diagnostics and genomics company with overlapping NGS services and DTC genetic testing offerings. Theragen Etex signed an MoU with Bioneer in June 2019 for joint R&D in genomic analysis, confirming the direct competitive overlap.
• DNA Link: Korean personal genomics and DTC genetic testing company offering ancestry, wellness, and clinical genetic tests. Competes with Theragen Bio's Jinstyle DTC service in the Korean consumer genomics market with overlapping test menus.

Broad incumbents

• Yuhan Corporation: One of Korea's largest established pharmaceutical manufacturers with branded and generic drug portfolios plus domestic distribution. Comparable to Theragen Etex's manufacturing and distribution business model and Korean-market focus, though larger and more diversified.
• Hanmi Pharmaceutical: Major Korean pharmaceutical company with specialty drug development, manufacturing, and export operations. Comparable in pharmaceutical manufacturing and export footprint, though with a more developed proprietary drug pipeline and global licensing deals.
• GC Pharma (Green Cross): Large Korean pharmaceutical manufacturer and distributor with vaccines, blood products, and specialty drugs. Overlaps with Theragen Etex's pharmaceutical manufacturing and domestic distribution business but at significantly larger scale.
• 23andMe: Leading global DTC genetic testing company offering ancestry and health-related genetic reports directly to consumers. Comparable business model and consumer genomics focus to Theragen Bio's Jinstyle, but operating at much larger scale and with stronger consumer brand recognition.
• Foundation Medicine: US-based genomic profiling company specializing in comprehensive genomic analysis for oncology treatment selection, owned by Roche. Comparable in clinical NGS-based decision support for cancer therapy, representing a benchmark for Theragen Bio's precision oncology ambitions.

Emerging players

• Tempus Labs: US-based precision medicine company combining genomic sequencing with AI-driven clinical data analytics for oncology treatment selection. Strongly comparable to Theragen Bio's AI immunotherapy response prediction algorithm and integrated genomic-clinical decision support platform.
• Color Genomics: Clinical genetic testing company offering hereditary cancer and pharmacogenomic testing through healthcare providers and employers. Comparable to Theragen Bio's clinical NGS and pharmacogenomic decision support offerings, though focused on US markets and employer-sponsored channels.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/theragenetex
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/theragen-etex-bio-institute

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Theragen Etex