AI-powered rare disease diagnostics company 3billion (394800) announced on June 1 the official launch of 3B-NEO, a genome-based newborn screening service.
3B-NEO is a genomic newborn screening (gNBS) service designed to identify the risk of genetic disorders in infants within the first 90 days after birth.
The company introduced the service exclusively for overseas markets as genomic newborn screening transitions from the research stage to commercial adoption, particularly in the United States and Europe, while demand from its existing global customer base continues to grow.
While conventional newborn screening tests detect only a limited number of conditions by measuring specific metabolites, 3B-NEO directly analyzes 595 key genes, enabling the identification of disease-causing genetic variants.
The service aims to detect disease risk before symptoms appear and support early diagnosis and treatment planning, providing a foundation for precision medicine from the earliest stages of life.
The test focuses on 595 clinically significant genes associated with childhood-onset disorders for which early treatment or management can improve outcomes. These include congenital metabolic disorders, immune disorders, neuromuscular diseases, and cardiovascular conditions that can be addressed during childhood.
3B-NEO is available in two formats: a premium test based on whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and a standard test based on whole-exome sequencing (WES). Results are delivered within approximately two weeks after sample receipt.
In response to the rapidly expanding global gNBS market, 3billion plans to broaden its customer reach beyond healthcare providers and government agencies to include expectant and new parents.
The company intends to expand services particularly through obstetrics and pediatrics clinics in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa, where birth rates remain high but early diagnostic infrastructure is relatively limited.
In South Korea, where the gNBS market is largely shaped by government-led public healthcare initiatives, the company plans to focus on participating in national research projects and providing genomic analysis capabilities.
“Building on the genomic interpretation technology and AI-powered variant analysis expertise accumulated through rare disease diagnostics, we are expanding beyond post-symptom diagnosis toward proactive health management from the earliest stages of life,” said Keum Chang-won. “Through 3B-NEO, we aim to help healthcare providers and parents better understand a child’s genetic health and prepare for the future through early intervention and preventive care.”
Meanwhile, 3billion is diversifying its business portfolio beyond patient-focused diagnostics into services for broader populations. Key offerings include WGS-based genomic newborn screening and its Family Insight program.
The gNBS service is designed to identify treatable congenital disorders at an early stage, while Family Insight helps parents with a family history of genetic diseases or recurrent pregnancy loss identify potential genetic causes.
Through these initiatives, 3billion aims to evolve into an AI-driven genetic diagnostics company serving individuals across the entire life cycle.
The company is also accelerating development of 15 drug discovery pipelines identified through its proprietary AI-based drug development platform. Available funding will be used to advance experimental validation during the preclinical stage, with the goal of increasing opportunities for technology licensing and joint development partnerships with pharmaceutical companies.