Gene Solutions

About Gene Solutions

Gene Solutions stands as a significant entity in the Asian genetic testing market, focusing on making advanced diagnostics both affordable and accessible. The company was established in 2017 by three Vietnamese scientists: Dr. Nguyen Hoai Nghia, Dr. Nguyen Huu Nguyen, and Dr. Giang Hoa. The founders leveraged their extensive experience in genetics, cancer biology, and biotechnology from years of research in the United States to address the lack of accessible advanced testing in Vietnam and the broader Southeast Asian region. Dr. Nghia, the CEO, completed his Ph.D. and postdoctoral fellowships in cancer biology and molecular genetics at institutions including Johns Hopkins University and the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Co-founder Dr. Giang Hoa's expertise in computational biology and bioinformatics, gained during his Ph.D. at the University of Pennsylvania, was instrumental in developing the company's proprietary algorithms.

The company's business model is centered around developing and providing a wide range of genetic tests that utilize Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and AI-powered analytics. Revenue is generated through the sale of these tests to a network of over 4,500 hospitals and clinics across several Asian countries, including Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia. By developing its technology and algorithms in-house, Gene Solutions has managed to significantly lower the cost of its tests compared to global competitors, a key component of its strategy. For example, its flagship Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT) was introduced at a fraction of the prevailing market price.

Gene Solutions' product portfolio is organized into two primary pillars: reproductive health and clinical oncology. In reproductive health, its main product is the triSure NIPT, a blood test for pregnant women to screen for common chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus, such as Down syndrome. The company also offers carrier screening and more comprehensive prenatal tests. In oncology, Gene Solutions has developed tests for multi-cancer early detection, personalized cancer tracking (MRD - minimal residual disease), and comprehensive genomic profiling using circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) technology. This allows for early cancer detection from a blood sample and helps in monitoring treatment response and disease recurrence.

Financially, the company has demonstrated a strong growth trajectory, attracting significant investment. It secured a $15 million Series B round in 2021, followed by another $21 million in 2023, with both rounds involving Mekong Capital. This funding has been directed towards accelerating regional expansion, enhancing R&D capabilities, and scaling its operations. The company has established a network of nine NGS laboratories in Asia, including two CAP-accredited facilities, to support its growing test volume.