According to the Central Dementia Center, the total number of elderly people over 65 in 2021 span>85710,0007,830 people, of which the estimated number of dementia patients is 88 10,0006,173people, the dementia prevalence rate is 10.33% It appeared as >. Korea Elderly over 65 10 1is suffering from dementia. In 2016, the number of dementia patients over the age of 65 decreased from approximately 66. /span>Increased to approximately 88thousand by 2021, and by 2025< span>10710,000 peopleby 2050, and 302by 2050 span>It is expected that there will be 10,000 dementia patients. Like this, the number of dementia patients is gradually increasing, and recently, people under the age of 65 Premature dementia is also on the rise, so caution is needed.

Once dementia develops, it is difficult to restore brain function to its pre-onset state even with treatment, so its progression must be slowed through active prevention activities, early detection, and professional management. PidiGen can easily predict dementia early using only saliva(saliva) It is a company that develops and operates solutions. Product development based on various medical·Bio field research and development(R&D) , We are engaged in businesses such as manufacturing of in vitro diagnostic medical devices, disease prediction platform services . We met and spoke with Gwangseong Ahn, CEO of PDIgen, who is increasing his influence in the next-generation biotechnology sector through a non-face-to-face dementia early prediction platform..

What kind of company is PDgen

PDGen is an R&D-based venture company in the biotechnology field established in 2013 . Based on the identification of cell biological characteristics, we have grown with an emphasis on discovering biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of incurable diseases., Research on treatments to suppress exacerbation and malignancy is continuing. Because intractable diseases progress through a combination of genetic and environmental factors, an artificial intelligence-based analysis algorithm is used to predict the worsening and malignant development of disease-predisposed cells. We have developed (PDX-IDX), through which we are developing and commercializing an analysis system that can predict disease progression. /span>. For R&D based venture companies that challenge the possible, it is important to develop technology to solve unmet factors in society. , Based on this, we aim to improve the quality of life of individuals.

After graduating from Sungkyunkwan University, Master's degree in the U.S., Ph.D. >(Ph.D), Post-Docterate(Post-Docterate)During the course, we conducted basic research on genome-based cell biology and conducted research on diagnosis and progression prediction of incurable diseases for 25 years< span>. Onset and worsening of disease, Malignancy is a complex pathophysiology because disease-predisposed cells progress through the interaction of genetic and environmental predispositions. We aim to improve the quality of life that humans can enjoy by developing biomarker-based treatments that can suppress the onset and progression of incurable diseases by identifying the mechanisms. I think it is very important to present a plan.

What is your main business and differentiation

PDGen is developing and operating a non-face-to-face dementia prevention solutionPDX-AD· span>. The disease called dementia does not have a separate cause; it is caused by aging, so it simply depends on when it appears. So experts believe that prevention can be done by finding out when an event will occur. Dementia is not caused by any one event, but varies depending on the individual: due to lack of sleep, depressed, The causes are different, such as due to excessive exposure to drugs, or decreased brain activity.

When a substance called Abeta amyloid accumulates in the brain, dementia occurs., Seoul National University Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Bundang As a result of a comparative analysis of blood and saliva from dementia patients in collaboration with hospitals, Abeta amyloid was discovered. Usually, after measuring Abeta amyloid, questionnaires and diagnosis are performed, but there are many cases where they are missed because they do not go to the hospital in time. .

Therefore, PDIGen developed PDX-AD, a solution that can prevent dementia early by easily measuring factors that cause dementia through saliva.PDX-AD span>. You can conduct a self-examination survey to check your current condition through the application, and the results of dementia-causing factors measured in saliva can be conveniently checked in the application. . Dementia can be prevented by conveniently collecting saliva anytime, anywhere, without having to visit a hospital and take a blood test..

After registering as a member and taking a survey, collect saliva in the delivered saliva kit and send it to PDIGEN to provide measurement results If Abeta amyloid is detected in the results, the progress is monitored and measured again 3months later to check changes in Abeta amyloid levels and self-examination questionnaires. Based on this, decide whether a professional diagnosis is necessary.

PDX-AD Self-examination questionnaires provided by the solution include cognitive gender test, sleep quality, It consists of a health questionnaire, including depression, and anyone interested in their health can use it for free. PDGen's non-face-to-face dementia prevention solution allows you to easily check your health status based on this self-examination questionnaire and can also determine intestinal inflammation levels using saliva, so it not only prevents dementia but also provides health care healthcare. It can be called a platform.

To measure dementia-causing factors and intestinal inflammatory factors through saliva, PDX-AD can be used by purchasing a solution voucher and KHF Thanks to the enthusiastic support in 2023, members who sign up will be extended one more month until October 10. 50% A discount coupon is provided.

What are your future goals

Dementia is difficult to treat, but prevention is possible. This is a time when efforts to prevent dementia are more necessary than anything else in order for everyone to welcome the coming evening of their lives with dignity. Dementia relief centers and many ventures and small and medium-sized businesses across the country are making efforts to prevent dementia. In the future, PDgen will work with various companies and organizations to prevent dementia, and we will fight dementia without fear rather than waiting for dementia to come someday. We will take the lead in providing senior healthcare services to prevent disease..

Also, PDGen is preparing to commercialize various healthcare services to not only prevent dementia but also contribute to the health of the people . Commercialization of a platform that can predict metastatic cancer and development of a targeted anticancer drug screening system, Development of stem cell treatment and exosome treatment and stem cell therapy We are working hard to develop a cell-based exosome treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We will continue research and development to establish social responsibility as a company so that everyone can lead a healthy life· span>.