Eone-Diagnomics Genome Center (hereinafter EDGC) makes foray into Chinese pet market in cooperation with Chinese company.

EDGC announced on October 30 that the company has completed the transfer of technology on genetic testing for animal identification tentatively named ‘PetID’ and telomere length testing to GBI(Golden Bridge International), a sales corporation of BGI(Beijing Genomics Institute) which is a Chinese genomics organization.

Accordingly, GBI is planning to localize and sell products that are applied with the transferred technologies. EDGC and GBI had signed a contract to supply and sell genome analysis in 2018.

‘PetID’ is a genetic testing that allows people to easily identify their pets. Pet caregivers can collect oral epithelial cells from the mouth of their pets with a cotton swab-type home-ordered kit. Then the samples are sent back to the company, where the pet’s genes are analyzed.

In the initial test, the pet’s genetic information is provided to the caregivers in the form of QR codes, and the second test can confirm consistency with the first test results. This technology has been certified by the American Society for Pathology (CAP) and the Korean Institute of Genetic Testing Evaluation.

Lee Jeong-nam, EDGC’s team manager of overseas R&D, said, "Although many countries around the world such as Sweden have been introducing bio-chips for the disappearance and registration of pets, it was difficult to use them easily as the caregivers’ discomfort and costs were high," “EDGC will provide genome analysis services to pet caregivers so that they can live in a more suitable environment for pets.”