Innovative Testing Solutions for a Healthier Future
Interview with Dr. Lothar Kruska, Managing Director of Seegene Germany GmbH
Seegene Germany GmbH, based in Düsseldorf, specializes in the development of innovative testing solutions in the field of molecular diagnostics. The company aims to revolutionize medical diagnostics through modern technologies and create a healthier future for humanity. With a wide range of products, from COVID-19 tests to syndromic multiplex PCR tests for other infectious diseases, Seegene offers solutions that enable faster and more accurate diagnostics.
Seegene Inc. was founded in 2000 in Seoul, South Korea, and has since developed into one of the leading providers in the industry. Managing Director Dr. Lothar Kruska, who has been part of the company since 2016, explains: 'In recent years, we have experienced strong growth and as Seegene Germany, we are now a fully operational company with our own production and development in Germany.'
Corona as a Growth Factor
The COVID-19 pandemic posed a significant challenge, but also offered opportunities for Seegene Germany. "The pandemic has extremely accelerated our growth. The demand for our PCR tests has greatly increased, and we had to respond quickly to the needs of the market," explains Dr. Lothar Kruska. The company started during the pandemic with only twelve employees and quickly grew to 70.
Diversity in the Test Portfolio
"By now, we offer almost 200 different tests that go beyond COVID-19 diagnostics," emphasizes Dr. Lothar Kruska.
This includes tests for gastrointestinal infections and sexually transmitted diseases. Seegene’s cutting-edge multiplex PCR technology allows the identification of multiple pathogens in a single reaction, significantly boosting efficiency in clinics and laboratories.
"With our tests, we can significantly reduce the time to diagnosis. Instead of waiting two days, we can deliver results within four to five hours," the managing director adds.
AI as the Next Step
To drive the development of new tests, Seegene has formed strategic partnerships with companies like Microsoft. "Collaborating with Microsoft allows us to incorporate AI technologies into our test development, significantly shortening the time it takes to develop new tests," says Dr. Lothar Kruska. This innovative strength is crucial to meet the ever-growing market demands.
Sustainability in Focus
Sustainability is a core component of the company strategy. "We have launched initiatives to reduce our ecological footprint, including the use of environmentally friendly packaging," explains Dr. Lothar Kruska. Additionally, the multiplex technology minimizes the consumption of reagents, leading to less environmental impact.
Rethinking Needed
Dr. Lothar Kruska desires a change in mindset among medical professionals in Germany. He emphasizes that many doctors often treat without comprehensive diagnostics, which can lead to inefficient treatments. "I wish for a change in mindset such that diagnostics are seen as an essential basis for evidence-based therapies," he explained.
Outlook for the Future
The future of Seegene looks promising. Dr. Lothar Kruska emphasizes that the company continues to work on developing new tests to meet the changing needs of the market. "We have launched an Open Innovation program to collect suggestions from scientists and to develop new testing systems," he says. This openness to innovation will help Seegene assert itself as a market leader in molecular diagnostics.