Bertis Signs MOU with Accelerator Platform of Precision Medicine at Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital for Joint Research on Therapeutic Target Discovery and Validation- Collaboration to validate SURF-based candidate targets using patient-derived tissue and clinical and pathological data- Establishing a research framework connecting target discovery, patient-level validation and follow-up research to drug developmentPhoto: Bertis Co-CEO Seung-man Han (left) and Myung-geun Shin, Director of the Accelerator Platform of Precision Medicine at Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, pose for a photo at the MOU signing ceremony held at Bertis' headquarters in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, on September 10.Bertis, a proteomics technology platform company (co-CEOs Dong-young Noh and Seung-man Han), announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Accelerator Platform of Precision Medicine (APP) at Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital (Director Myung-geun Shin) to conduct joint research on the discovery and validation of therapeutic targets using patient-derived clinical resources and proteomic technologies.Under the MOU, Bertis and APP will pursue joint research to discover and validate therapeutic targets for cancer and other major diseases. The two organizations plan to use patient-derived human biospecimens and de-identified clinical and pathological data to assess candidate targets' expression characteristics in patient tissues, disease relevance and clinical significance, while leveraging Bertis' SURF-based proteomic technology for therapeutic target discovery and analysis. They will also pursue academic publication and use of the research findings, while exploring opportunities for follow-up research and commercialization for promising results.The agreement establishes a research framework through which candidate targets discovered through Bertis' drug target discovery platform, SURF, can be validated at the patient level. The research will expand beyond identifying novel therapeutic target candidates through cell-line-based analysis to evaluating whether candidate targets demonstrate meaningful expression characteristics and disease relevance in actual patients by linking patient tissues with clinical and pathological data.SURF is a platform that generates and analyzes data on proteins located on and near the surface of cancer cells to identify novel therapeutic target candidates. Through AI-based analysis and experimental validation, the platform develops these candidates into drug target packages that can be advanced through joint research or licensing. Cell-surface proteins can serve as targets for a range of therapeutic modalities, including antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and bispecific antibodies, making them an important area of focus in drug target discovery and development.APP serves as a collaborative hub connecting Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital's clinical and research resources and precision medicine research infrastructure with corporate R&D. Notably, the hospital's Non-Clinical Trial Center was recently designated by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety as a Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) institution for non-clinical studies in the pharmaceutical field, providing a foundation for conducting key non-clinical studies under a quality management system that meets international standards. Building on this MOU, the two organizations plan to discuss the scope of individual research projects, the use of samples and data, research funding and the division of responsibilities, with the goal of strengthening the continuity of research from novel target discovery through patient-level validation and follow-up research on promising candidates."Validating whether a drug target has the potential to function as a meaningful therapeutic target in actual patients is just as important as discovering new candidates," said Seung-man Han, CEO of Bertis. "Through this collaboration, we aim to combine Bertis' proteomics-based target discovery capabilities with the clinical research resources of Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital to discover and validate more reliable therapeutic targets and generate outcomes that can advance drug development and lead to follow-up commercialization."

Bertis Earns Judges’ Selection at the MSD Health Innovation Summit,Debuts AI-Based Drug Target Discovery Platform ‘SURF’- Only company in the drug development sector selected by the judging panel as one of the three winners at the summit- Debuts an AI-based target discovery platform built on the surfaceome, one of the fastest-moving areas in the global biopharma market- Pairs proprietary experimental data with AI analysis in an evidence-based discovery model that judges flagged as ready for global pharma collaborationBertis,a proteomics technology platform company (co-CEOs Dong-young Noh and Seungman Han), announced that it earned a judging panel selection at the MSD Health Innovation Summit, co-hosted by the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI) and MSD Korea. Bertis used the stage to introduce SURF, its AI-based platform for therapeutic target discovery and validation.Eight companies cleared pre-screening and pitched at the summit. Bertis claimed one of three judges’ selections and stood alone as the only target discovery platform company on the list. Judges credited the proteomics capabilities Bertis has built and validated through its cancer detection solutions and protein analysis services, and singled out a platform that lifts both the efficiency and the probability of success in drug development.Held on July 14, this year’s summit ran under the theme “Next-Generation Healthcare Powered by Evidence-Based AI: From Prevention to Personalized Care.” The judging panel assembled experts from KHIDI and MSD Korea, along with the Global Health Innovation Fund (GHIF), MSD’s venture capital arm; IDEA Studio, MSD’s innovation team for the Asia Pacific region; and HITLAB, a Columbia University-based global healthcare innovation platform that advises on digital health solutions.SURF generates and analyzes cancer cell surface and proximity protein data to uncover novel therapeutic target candidates, then converts them through AI analysis and experimental validation into partner-ready target packages for co-development or licensing. Instead of drawing from known candidate lists, the platform hunts for novel targets and maps surface and proximity proteins to weigh each candidate on surface accessibility, disease relevance, normal tissue expression risk, and modality fit, then ranks the results into a prioritized shortlist. That output feeds directly into modalities such as ADCs, bispecific antibodies and more. SURF pairs hands-on experimental data generation with AI analysis and validation studies, complementing in silico-driven approaches and grading developability at every step.Global pharmaceutical companies have moved aggressively into target discovery aimed at the cell surface proteome, or surfaceome. In January, DISCO Pharmaceuticals licensed a novel surface protein target to Amgen, and InduPro signed a multispecific antibody oncology co-development deal with Eli Lilly, worth up to $618 million and $950 million respectively. Both deals establish surface proteins and protein proximity data as a critical starting point for next-generation therapeutics including ADCs and bispecific antibodies. Bertis now combines its proprietary AI analysis engine with proteomics data generation and clinical specimen-based validation, covering the full path from surface target discovery to target packaging ready for co-research and licensing talks.“Global pharmaceutical companies and investment and research experts filled the room, and they recognized the innovation behind our proteomics-based target discovery platform,” said Seung-man Han, CEO of Bertis. “We confirmed how strongly the field needs surfaceome-driven target discovery. We will build on SURF to expand joint research and licensing partnerships with global biopharmaceutical companies.”

Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Bertis Forge Strategic Alliance to Revolutionize Cancer Drug Discovery through Molecular AI and Spatial ProteomicsNASHVILLE, TN and GWACHEON, SOUTH KOREA — March 5, 2026 — Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) and Bertis, an AI-driven proteomics-based precision medicine company led by co-CEOs Dong-young Noh and Seung-man Han, today announced a joint research and co-development collaboration. This strategic alliance marks a significant milestone in oncology by advancing the convergence of artificial intelligence, spatial biology, and translational cancer research through VUMC’s Molecular AI Initiative. By integrating VUMC’s Molecular AI capabilities with Bertis’ proprietary deep proteomics and AI-enabled target discovery technologies, the partnership will build an advanced, spatially resolved dataset to identify novel therapeutic targets and predictive biomarkers.The collaboration centers on the transformative power of AI-driven spatial biology and Molecular AI. Traditional target discovery often relies on bulk tissue analysis, which loses the critical context of how cells are organized within a tumor. VUMC’s Molecular AI approach changes this paradigm by employing sophisticated computational spatial analysis to generate high-resolution spatial molecular maps. This AI-driven spatial biology allows researchers to visualize and decode the complex architecture of the tumor microenvironment, specifically identifying how tumor, immune, and stromal cells interact in biologically and therapeutically relevant regions. By mapping the precise locations and spatial relationships of these cells, the Molecular AI platform can isolate the key cell populations responsible for treatment response or resistance.These advanced spatial insights are then seamlessly integrated with Bertis’ cutting-edge proteomics capabilities. While VUMC maps the critical spatial context, Bertis will conduct deep proteomic and metabolomic profiling, applying its proprietary AI-enabled computational models to prioritize the most viable, druggable targets. The initial focus of this joint research will be on HER2-low tumors, a historically challenging clinical area, with the potential to expand into additional tumor types based on data outcomes and joint scientific discussions. By layering spatial context over proteome-level data, the teams aim to pinpoint cell-surface proteins that are uniquely positioned for emerging therapeutic modalities, including antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and cell-based therapies.This sophisticated AI-driven spatial multimodal and deep proteomics pipeline is spearheaded by Tae Hyun Hwang, PhD, the Endowed Director of AI Research, Founding Director of the Molecular AI Initiative, and Professor of Surgery at VUMC. Recognized as a leader in spatial AI and Molecular AI, Dr. Hwang also co-leads gastric cancer atlas efforts within the NCI-funded Human Tumor Atlas Network (HTAN) and is spearheading international HTAN collaborations with South Korea’s National Cancer Center. Highlighting the clinical necessity of this integrated approach, Dr. Hwang said, “Identifying therapeutic targets and understanding treatment response require a precise view of proteins, spatial context, and tumor biology. By combining VUMC’s Molecular AI and spatial analysis capabilities with Bertis’ proteomics and AI-enabled target discovery platform, this collaboration is designed to generate high-confidence therapeutic targets and predictive biomarkers that can support future translational research and therapeutic development”.Seung-man Han, CEO of Bertis, emphasized that the alliance accelerates the global reach of their platform. “Partnering with VUMC, a leading U.S. academic medical center with strong expertise in Molecular AI, spatial biology, and cancer research, is highly meaningful and reflects the growing global recognition of Bertis’ technological capabilities,” stated Mr. Han. “Through this collaboration, we aim to expand the role of AI-driven proteomics in drug discovery and identify therapeutic targets that may open new possibilities in oncology”. Ultimately, this joint endeavor reflects a shared commitment to building a more precise, biologically informed approach to cancer drug discovery.

Bertis Supports the 9th Annual Kimchi-Making Donation Event Hosted by the Union of Korea Breast Cancer Patient- Sharing warmth this winter by delivering homemade kimchi to more than 300 breast cancer patients nationwide[Photo] Bertis employees participate in making kimchi with volunteers at the “9th Annual Kimchi-Making Donation Event” in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province.Bertis, a proteomics-based precision medicine company (co-CEOs Dong-young Noh and Seung-man Han), announced that it supported the “9th Annual Nationwide Kimchi-Making Donation Event for Breast Cancer Patients,” organized by the Union of Korea Breast Cancer Patient (UKBCP).UKBCP is a non-profit organization registered under the Ministry of Health and Welfare dedicated to protecting the rights and improving the quality of life of breast cancer patients. The organization runs patient community groups, operates rest shelters, and offers various welfare support services. As part of its ongoing patient support efforts, this year’s kimchi-making event was held on November 18–19 at the UKBCP shelter in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province. Kimchi prepared directly by UKBCP members and volunteers was delivered to more than 300 breast cancer patients nationwide to help them prepare for the winter season.Through this sponsorship, Bertis supported the healthy recovery of breast cancer patients and contributed to a meaningful act of sharing. Bertis is the company behind MASTOCHECK®, the world’s first proteomics-based blood test for the early detection of breast cancer, and continues to engage in patient-focused initiatives alongside its technological advancements.Seung-Ran Choi, UKBCP President, said, “This kimchi donation event is more than just sharing food—it provides patients an opportunity to feel warmth and encouragement throughout their healing journey. Thanks to the interest and support from companies like Bertis, many patients will be able to spend this winter with comfort and hope.”Seung-man Han, CEO of Bertis, stated, “We are honored to join UKBCP in this meaningful event for breast cancer patients. As a biotech company, Bertis will continue to uphold its social responsibility and remain committed to supporting patients and contributing to a healthier society through various community initiatives.”

Bertis Enables Hanmi’s Breakthrough Obesity Drug Mechanism Discovery with Advanced Proteomics Expertise- Hanmi Pharmaceutical’s ‘HM17321’ captures global attention at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) for its dual mechanism of increasing muscle mass while reducing fat- Bertis’ ‘PASS’ has overcome limitations in skeletal muscle proteome analysis through advanced mass spectrometry and data interpretation, providing scientific evidence for HM17321’s mechanism of action- Global proteomics market projected to reach KRW 95 trillion; utilization in clinical research and drug development rapidly expandingBertis, a proteomics-based precision medicine company (co-CEOs Dong-young Noh and Seung-man Han), announced that its advanced proteomics platform, PASS (Pan-omics Analysis Service & Solution), played a key role in uncovering the molecular mechanism of Hanmi Pharmaceutical’s novel obesity drug candidate, HM17321.At the 61st European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD 2025), held in Vienna, Austria (September 15–19), Hanmi Pharmaceutical presented six preclinical studies on three investigational obesity drug candidates, including HM17321.Among these, HM17321—powered by Bertis’ PASS (Pan-omics Analysis Service & Solution)—stood out as an innovative first-in-class obesity treatment candidate demonstrating a dual mechanism that promotes muscle growth while selectively reducing fat, addressing one of the most persistent challenges in obesity therapeutics.PASS is Bertis’ customized proteomics analysis service that integrates the company’s large-scale mass spectrometry infrastructure and bioinformatics expertise. In the HM17321 study, Bertis successfully identified high-resolution changes in both proteome and phosphoproteome profiles in muscle and adipose tissues.Through close collaboration with Hanmi’s R&D Center, the analysis revealed activation of mTOR signaling and protein synthesis pathways and identified changes in satellite cell–related proteins in muscle tissue, while uncovering lipid metabolism and anti-inflammatory protein regulation patterns in adipose tissue. The resulting proteomic data served as key molecular evidence supporting HM17321’s mechanism of action and its translational potential in clinical applications.In particular, this analysis utilized Thermo Fisher Scientific’s high-resolution mass spectrometer ‘Orbitrap Astral’ along with Bertis’ proprietary fractionation technology (COFFER), achieving approximately 20% higher protein identification coverage compared to previous studies. As a result, more than 10,000 proteins were identified from skeletal muscle samples, enabling quantitative assessment of key protein changes within activated signaling pathways. Given the high complexity that makes phosphoproteome analysis in skeletal muscle particularly challenging, this achievement represents an unprecedented level of analytical coverage—demonstrating the high sensitivity and interpretive power of Bertis’ PASS platform.Meanwhile, the global proteomics market is experiencing rapid growth. According to MarketsandMarkets, the market—valued at approximately USD 36.8 billion in 2023—is expected to grow more than 14% annually to reach USD 72.9 billion by 2028. The clinical diagnostics segment, which accounts for nearly half of the market, is projected to expand to USD 37.7 billion by 2028, reflecting the increasing demand for proteomics in drug mechanism research and biomarker discovery. In this context, platforms such as PASS are gaining recognition as critical infrastructure for shortening research timelines and reducing risks for pharmaceutical and biotech companies.Un-beom Kang, Ph.D., Head of the Biomarker Research Institute at Bertis, commented, “PASS is currently collaborating with multiple pharmaceutical and biotech companies worldwide to support precision diagnostics and drug development research. This project clearly demonstrates PASS’ capability to directly contribute to elucidating drug mechanisms, and we expect proteomics analysis to play an even more pivotal role in a broad range of future studies.”