Smart Heathcare

Structure of a biotin RNA aptamer (yellow) complexed with biotin. Aptamers are complex molecules that bind to another specific target organic molecule. (Image courtesy Fdardel/Wikimedia Commons).
Structure of a biotin RNA aptamer (yellow) complexed with biotin. Aptamers are complex molecules that bind to another specific target organic molecule. (Image courtesy Fdardel/Wikimedia Commons).

 

SK Telecom announced on October 15 that it signed an MOU with the Research and Business Development Foundation of Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) for the development of aptamer-based diagnostics technology and related products. 

Aptamer is a next-generation biomaterial used mainly for the detection of environmental pollutants and the diagnosis of diseases. It is characterized by a high level of affinity with certain materials and is easily bonded to target molecules. 

Aptamer Science, the biotechnology venture established in 2011 by POSTECH, will also participate in the MOU. They are expected to work together with one another for the commercialization of products for early-stage lung and pancreatic cancer diagnosis that are in the clinical stages of testing.

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