Bertis Participates in '2024 Pink Festival' to Raise Awareness of the Importance of Regular Breast Cancer Screenings- Participating as an event sponsor, operating a promotional booth to enhance breast health awareness and deliver useful information on regular breast cancer screenings, including MASTOCHECKOn October 10th, Bertis, a company specializing in proteomics-based precision medicine technology (led by CEOs Dong-young Noh and Seung-man Han), announced that it will participate as a sponsor in the 2024 Pink Festival held at Yongsan Park on October 13th to conduct promotional activities highlighting the importance of regular breast cancer screenings.The Pink Festival, held as part of the Pink Ribbon Campaign, is co-hosted by the Korea Breast Cancer Foundation, the Korean Breast Cancer Society, and the Korean Cancer Association to encourage greater awareness of breast cancer and the importance of regular screenings among women. Now in its 24th year, the event will be attended by 1,000 pre-registered participants and will feature various breast health programs, including a 3km run, GX programs, consultations with medical professionals, and a mini concert.In celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Bertis will sponsor the 2023 Pink Festival and operate a promotional booth at the event. The booth will feature a quiz event aimed at attendees, highlighting the importance of early breast cancer detection and providing useful information about regular breast cancer screenings, including Bertis's early detection blood test, MASTOCHECK®.MASTOCHECK® is the world’s first proteomics-based early detection test for breast cancer, launched by Bertis in 2019. It has demonstrated its effectiveness in diagnosing stage 0 to 2 breast cancer and received approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in 2019. As a blood test, MASTOCHECK® can be performed on women in their 20s and 30s, for whom mammography is not recommended, and about 100,000 tests were conducted in 2023 alone. MASTOCHECK® is currently implemented in more than 500 hospitals and health screening centers in Korea.Seung-man Han, CEO of Bertis, said, “We participated in the Pink Festival to inform more women, including those in their 20s and 30s of the importance of breast health and to encourage regular breast cancer screenings. We will do our best to continuously contribute to activating early diagnosis by raising awareness and providing useful solutions based on easily accessible blood tests for the early detection of major diseases, including breast cancer, in medical settings.”

Bertis Presents Blood Test Model for Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis with 92% Accuracy Based on 13 Biomarkers- Presenting an exploratory trial result for early diagnosis of PDAC using LC-MS technology effective for disease screening- Conducting a confirmatory trial for pancreatic cancer’s early diagnosis blood test ‘Panccheck,’ having secured blood samples from 513 individuals, including 220 pancreatic cancer patientsOn September 24th, Bertis, a company specializing in the development of proteomics-based precision medicine technology (led by CEOs Dong-young Noh and Seung-man Han), announced that the findings on protein biomarkers for the diagnosis of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) were published in the September issue of the prestigious international journal ‘Molecular & Cellular Proteomics.’Pancreatic cancer is highly lethal due to its asymptomatic nature in the early stages, making early detection extremely challenging. Most patients are diagnosed at advanced stages, resulting in very low survival rates. According to data released by the Korea Central Cancer Registry in 2024, the 5-year cancer relative survival rate for pancreatic cancer from 2017 to 2021 is only 15.9%, making it the most difficult to treat among the top 10 cancers. In particular, PDAC, which accounts for more than 90% of pancreatic cancer, is considered one of the most lethal cancer types with a 5-year average survival rate of less than 10%.Currently, the blood biomarker Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) is used for pancreatic cancer screening, but its usefulness is considered limited due to its low positive predictive value. This study focused on developing an effective diagnostic method for PDAC screening based on Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) technology, which allows for the simultaneous and precise quantification of multiple protein biomarkers in blood and is effective for disease screening tests that require economical and rapid analysis of a large number of samples.In this study, the Bertis research team selected 12 protein biomarkers that were differentially expressed in PDAC patients compared to a control group of healthy individuals and/or those with benign pancreatic diseases, using mass spectrometry and bioinformatics techniques. They then developed a Multi-Marker Panel consisting of 13 biomarkers combined with CA19-9. In the next step, they developed a diagnostic test model with improved performance and robustness using machine-learning technology and evaluated its diagnostic performance for PDAC screening. As a result, the model demonstrated an accuracy of 92% for all stages of PDAC and stage 1 to 2 PDAC, showing improved diagnostic performance in all cases compared to when CA19-9 was used alone.Un-beom Kang, Head of the Bertis Biomarker Research Institute and co-leader of the research, stated, “The results of this study represent a significant achievement in providing a useful diagnostic model for the early detection of pancreatic cancer, a particularly hard-to-treat cancer, based on Bertis’ advanced technologies in proteomics, bioinformatics, and machine learning. We are committed to follow-up research and development to ensure that healthcare professionals and patients can utilize this technology in clinical settings, thereby facilitating early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.”Bertis is promoting the commercialization of its blood test, Panccheck®, to aid in the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer based on this research achievement. Currently, a confirmatory trial is underway, with blood samples secured from 513 individuals, including 220 pancreatic cancer patients, in preparation for approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. Additionally, Bertis is developing an early diagnosis test for ovarian cancer, which has the highest mortality rate among gynecological cancers and lacks effective early detection methods. The marker panel development is complete, and a clinical trial for algorithm enhancement are planned.Seung-man Han, CEO of Bertis, emphasized, “Bertis is working to introduce multi-marker diagnostic solutions with improved accuracy based on more biomarkers for major diseases by adding the latest machine learning technology to the proteomics technology we have developed over the past decade. Building on our capability to commercialize Mastocheck, the world’s first proteomics-based blood testing for early breast cancer diagnosis, we are committed to providing effective early diagnosis solutions for hard-to-treat diseases like pancreatic cancer in clinical practice.”Meanwhile, Bertis combines proteomics and bioinformatics to develop innovative biomarkers for cancer and other major diseases, as well as provides diagnosis and analysis solutions. It succeeded in commercializing proteomics technology with Mastocheck®, the blood testing solution for early breast cancer diagnosis, and PASS (Pan-omics Analysis Service & Solution), an omics analysis solution. Bertis continues to conduct research on early diagnosis solutions for major diseases.

Bertis Joins the Ministry of Science and ICT’s‘Development of Technologies for Spatial Proteomics-BasedMulti-Omics Analysis’ Project- 6 institutions participate with a total research budget of approximately 9 billion KRW over 4 years and 6 months-Bertis participates in securing global-level spatial proteomics technologies with its expertise in proteomics-based biomarkersOn September 6, Bertis, a company specializing in the development of proteomics-based precision medicine technology (led by CEOs Dong-young Noh and Seung-man Han), announced its participation as a research institution in the ‘Development of Materials and Component Technologies for Spatial Proteomics-Based Multi-Omics Analysis’ project (Project No. RS-2024-00454407), led by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Research Foundation of Korea.This project is part of the ‘2024 Nano and Materials Technology Development Project’ initiated by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Research Foundation of Korea. It aims to secure global-level technologies that will drive the creation of new industries and advance key sectors, while also expanding research infrastructure and promoting commercialization.Bertis will collaborate with the institution in charge of research, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Meteor Biotech, Korea Animal Model Archive, Future Medicine Research Institute of CHA Bundang Medical Center of CHA University, and the Korea Basic Science Institute to form the 'Spatial Proteomics Technology Development Research Consortium.' The consortium will undertake the project to develop spatial proteomics technologies for multi-omics, with a total research budget of 9 billion KRW, until December 2028.Spatial proteomics technology is a field that studies the spatial distribution and interactions of proteins within tissues. No commercialized technologies for spatial proteomics analysis exist, and single-cell preprocessing methods are being used as alternatives. This project will develop novel materials and foundational technologies for protein digestion, which are currently unavailable in spatial proteomics processes. The goal is to establish the first global analysis platform, from tissue separation to diagnosis, build databases, develop AI software, and create biomarkers for various cancers.Bertis, recognized for its technological prowess in developing and utilizing proteomics-based biomarkers, will be responsible for establishing LC-MS analysis conditions using single-cells, developing spatial proteomics-specific preprocessing materials and POC (Proof of Concept), creating quality control software for fragmented tissue proteomics analysis platforms, and developing and training AI algorithms through pathology image analysis.Kyunggon Kim, a professor in the Department of Digital Medicine at the University of Ulsan College of Medicine, head of the institution in charge of research, stated, "Spatial multi-omics is increasingly recognized as a key platform for translational research and new drug development. However, spatial proteomics is a field that demands advanced technology and material development. We are excited to collaborate with outstanding government-funded research institutions, hospitals, and companies with core technologies, such as Bertis and Meteor Biotech to conduct challenging research.”Un-beom Kang, Head of Bertis Biomarker Research Institute and co-leader of the research, explained, “The field of proteomics has high technological utility and remarkable growth within the biotech industry, accompanied by intense global competition to secure technological superiority and foundational technologies for disease diagnosis and treatment. As a leader in the proteomics industry with expertise in commercializing technology and applying AI, Bertis is dedicated to achieving significant results in the development of spatial proteomics technologies through collaboration with leading domestic research institutions."Meanwhile, Bertis has established its proprietary analysis system for single-cell proteomics research and is accelerating the advancement of proteomics-based precision medicine technologies by utilizing AI. The company is enhancing the accuracy of early diagnostic solutions for breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and ovarian cancer through machine learning-based algorithms. It is also developing the SAN (Spectrum is All you Need) model, which uses large language models (LLM) to analyze protein distribution data and extract health information related to the presence or absence of target diseases.

Bertis and Rokit Genomics Sign MoU for Collaboration on Proteomics and Genomics Analysis Services - Collaborating on single-cell proteomics and genomics analysis services to provide single-cell multi-omics analysis services and advance joint technology development <Photo: Bertis CEO Seung-man Han (left) and Rokit Genomics CEO Tae-woo Kwon commemorate the signing of the MoU.> On August 26th, Bertis, a company specializing in the development of proteomics-based precision medicine technology (led by CEOs Dong-young Noh and Seung-man Han), announced that it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rokit Genomics, a single-cell analysis company (led by CEOs Tae-woo Kwon and Yoon-Ki Gil). Under this MoU, Bertis and Rokit Genomics plan to collaborate on the development and marketing of proteomics and genomics analysis services based on their expertise in single-cell analysis technology. They also will work together on future joint technology development. Single-cell analysis is a technique that distinguishes biological characteristics at the level of individual cells. It enables high-sensitivity and high-resolution analysis of rare cells or low-expressed genomics and proteomics. This method is utilized in various research fields including cancer, Alzheimer's, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases. The single-cell analysis market is expected to grow significantly, reaching approximately 19 trillion KRW globally by 2030. Single-cell proteomics analysis is a technology that qualitative and quantitative analysis of proteins at the single-cell level. This technique allows detailed analysis of disease-specific proteins, minimizing the loss of cellular diversity information that can occur in tissue or cultured cell analyses. This technology is expected to advance the application of precision medicine through cell-specific analysis. Bertis, which has secured the technology to analyze the proteome of trace samples through next-generation mass spectrometry technology, offers single-cell proteomics analysis of over 5,000 proteins and has launched Korea's first single-cell proteome profiling service based on this cutting-edge technology. Rokit Genomics provides customer-specific analysis services using single-cell genomics sequencing. Rokit Genomics focuses on cell heterogeneity, rare cells, cell lineage relationships, and biomarker discovery by analyzing genomic data collected from individual cells. Leveraging extensive experience with samples from human tissues to plants and animals, Rokit Genomics performs analyses across requests. Kwon Tae-woo, the CEO of Rokit Genomics, stated, “With the rise of genomics and proteomics technologies, there is an increasing demand for combined analytical methods in drug discovery and candidate development. Our collaboration with Bertis, which possesses expertise in proteomics analysis, will be a milestone in expanding Rokit Genomics' multi-omics analysis capabilities. We expect to lead the popularization of single-cell analysis through advanced customer-specific consulting.” Seung-man Han, the CEO of Bertis, emphasized, “As a leader in proteomics technology, we have equipped ourselves with the latest equipment and expertise to offer single-cell proteomics technology to domestic researchers. Through this service collaboration with Rokit Genomics, a pioneer in single-cell sequencing, we hope to raise awareness of single-cell proteomics analysis among bioindustry and academic researchers and to expand our collaborative technology development.” Furthermore, Bertis’ omics analysis solution, PASS (Pan-omics Analysis Service & Solution), provides customized proteomics analysis solutions for biomarker discovery, validation, drug research and development, and production based on client’s needs. The service caters to a range of clients, including biotech and CDMO enterprises developing new modality drugs, and has completed 103 projects for 54 clients as of July 2024, driven by satisfaction with data quality and customized consulting.

Bertis to Participate in Korea's Largest Proteomics Conference, KHUPO 2024 - Poster presentation on research outcomes in biomarker candidates for prostate cancer diagnosis, and an educational lecture on QC and interpretation of mass spectrometry-based proteomics data- Setup of a promotional booth from June 25 to 27 to introduce the mass spectrometry-based omics analysis solution PASS, and its customized peptide synthesis solution, PEPS PRO. On June 25th, Bertis, a company specializing in the development of proteomics-based precision medicine technology (led by CEOs Dong-young Noh and Seung-man Han), announced that it will participate in 'KHUPO 2024 YEOSU (KHUPO 2024)', the largest domestic proteomics conference hosted by The Korean Human Proteome Organization (KHUPO). <Image: Logos of KHUPO and Bertis> KHUPO 2024, to be held from June 25 to 27 at the Yeosu Expo Convention Center, is expected to be a platform for sharing new research achievements and innovative technologies in the field of proteomics under the theme "PROUD: PROteomics Unlimited Desire." As a leading domestic company in the proteomics field, Bertis will present research achievements, conduct educational sessions, and operate a promotional booth during KHUPO 2024.Dr. Jin-Young Cho from the Biomarker Research Team at Bertis R&D division will present a poster on "Novel Diagnostic Biomarkers for Prostate Cancer Discovered Using a Mass Spectrometry-Based Pipeline" on Wednesday, the 26th at 11:45 AM, and Thursday, the 27th at 11:30 AM. <Image: Discovery process of PCa biomarker candidates>Prostate Cancer(PCa) can often be detected by testing the levels of Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) in blood. However, the level of PSA is also rise in cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis, necessitating a more accurate diagnostic test specifically for PCa. In this study, the Bertis team used liquid chromatography data-independent acquisition tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-DIA-MS/MS) to analyze the human serum of 50 healthy controls (HCs), 42 individuals with benign conditions, and 90 patients with PCa. The aim was to discover potential biomarkers for PCa diagnosis. They identified 24 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in PCa patients compared to healthy controls and those with benign conditions. In addition, bioinformatic analysis on public data of prostate cancer-associated biomarkers and prognosis before and after treatment, a list of 50 proteins was created. Takes together, a total of 74 serum proteins were selected as potential prostate cancer biomarker candidates.In the education session, Dr. Sunghyun Huh, Head of the Bioinformatics Team at Bertis R&D division will deliver a lecture titled “Interpretation of Mass Spectrometry-Based Proteomics Data for Biological Research”. The session will introduce the analysis, processing, and interpretation of mass spectrometry-based proteomics data, covering relevant research examples. The lecture is scheduled for Wednesday, the 26th, at 9:00 AM in the 1st floor lecture hall, as the first session of ‘Education Session 3: Proteomics meets AI’During the event, Bertis will operate a promotional booth to showcase its mass spectrometry-based omics analysis solution, PASS (Pan-omics Analysis Service & Solution), alongside its customized peptide synthesis service, PEPS PRO. PEPS PRO provides synthesis services for customized peptides, PNAs, and various organic compounds utilizing the company’s GMP facilities and highly skilled professionals, ensuring high-quality products at competitive prices. The company plans to utilize the KHUPO 2024 platform to initiate a marketing campaign to promote PEPS PRO.Seung-man Han, CEO of Bertis, stated, "Bertis is advancing and commercializing proteomics technologies to contribute to the development of practical solutions in clinical settings for domestic biotech companies." He further emphasized, "We are dedicated to sharing innovative technologies and research outcomes to broaden the impact of proteomics in Korea and bolster technological competitiveness."