KH Medical: “Creating an Era of ‘Medical Equality’ through Technology”

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) selects innovative products from domestic SMEs and supports their entry into overseas markets through the national co-brand ‘Brand K.’ In collaboration with the Gyeonggi Regional Office of SMEs and Startups, we interviewed local SMEs that have been recognized for their excellent quality by being selected for ‘Brand K.’

Founded in 2018, KH Medical has shown remarkable progress, winning the 5 Million Dollar Export Tower award just two years after its establishment. We met with CEO Hong Man-hyung, who has been busy since March with the construction of a new factory and research lab in Pyeongtaek.

Q: What enabled KH Medical’s diagnostic reagents to significantly reduce testing time?

Our company’s RADI COVID-19 reagent employs two technologies. The RT-LAMP method allows test results to be confirmed in just 35 minutes and is more cost-effective. The RT-PCR method can detect low concentrations of the COVID-19 virus and provides results within 80 minutes. The required equipment costs only one-tenth compared to typical RT-PCR tests.

Generally, RT-PCR tests take between 2 to 6 hours, but KH Medical has significantly reduced this time. CEO Hong stated, “We were able to enhance the accuracy of the tests due to continuous research and development in collaboration with leading clinical institutions worldwide.”

Q: What was the key to achieving such high technological capabilities within just two years as a startup?

Since the company's inception, we have had an excellent research team capable of collaborating with international research institutions like the U.S. CDC in Atlanta. Our commitment and belief in contributing to the healthcare systems of underdeveloped countries through our diagnostic reagents and systems have driven our technological advancement.

KH Medical’s diagnostic reagents achieved 100% sensitivity and specificity in clinical trials conducted by FIND, a non-profit international evaluation organization. FIND is recognized for its transparency and reliability, referenced by organizations such as WHO and the CDC.

Among over 200 molecular and immunodiagnostic product manufacturers worldwide, only 20 companies were selected by FIND, and KH Medical was the only startup among them. “This recognition led to increased export inquiries and global awareness,” said CEO Hong.

Q: Before the COVID-19 pandemic, you were focused on developing a malaria diagnostic kit for use in Africa.

In the early days, most of our team traveled to Africa, contemplating ways to improve the poor diagnostic medical systems there. Witnessing healthcare conditions reminiscent of Korea in the 1970s and the high mortality rate due to malaria inspired us to focus on developing diagnostic reagents.

Q: Has being selected for the national co-brand ‘Brand K’ led to significant changes?

As a representative brand of Korea, we are committed to exporting our products with a sense of responsibility, ensuring quality from raw material procurement to post-manufacturing QC processes. Our exports have diversified to over 40 countries, including Senegal, Kenya, Tanzania, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Italy, the UK, France, and Spain. Additionally, overseas customers' trust in the Brand K label has significantly contributed to increasing our brand recognition.

Q: What kind of company do you aspire KH Medical to grow into?

I believe that children in Africa, children in Korea, the poor, and the wealthy all have the human right to receive quality diagnostics equally. To overcome the limitations of those who have not been granted even this right, we will continue to develop products accessible and usable in developing countries through ongoing research and development.

To realize this belief and philosophy, we aim to grow step by step into a company where many people aspire to work. Rather than focusing on massive sales and profits, we want to grow into a small but solid company by concentrating on what we do best and leveraging our expertise.