South Korea to launch pilot project to expanded DTC genome testing services

The South Korean government has accepted industry and consumer demand for access to broader direct-to-consumer (DTC) genome data services, allowing private genome analysis companies to handle more testing items.

The National Bioethics Committee, the highest decision-making body regarding bioethics in Korea, decided to permit the expansion of commercial genetic testing services on a pilot basis during a meeting held on Wednesday.

As a result, four companies certified to join the government’s expanded pilot project for DTC genetic testing will be able to provide genome testing services directly to consumers for up to 56 items for two years from next year. All the approved items are related to physical wellness of a person, such as vitamin D and exercise fitness, alcohol flushing, and family ancestry.

The DTC genetic testing service provided by a company involves no intervention by healthcare professionals at hospitals or clinics.

Among the four companies in the pilot project, both Theragen Etex and Eone Diagnomics Genome Center will provide genome testing in 56 items, including the analysis of genes related to blood sugar, blood pressure, hair loss and vitamin C acceptance. Macrogen and LabGenomics will handle 27 and 10 items, respectively.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare said the administrative deregulation will take place during the first half of next year.

The government plans to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of commercial genetic testing services after the pilot project to determine whether to allow the introduction of full-fledged services to the market.

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