# Seer and Korea University Launch Blood-Based Cancer Biomarker Study
## Overview of the Study
Seer, Inc. and Korea University have initiated a study to discover blood-based biomarkers for early-onset cancer in adults aged 20 to 30. The research utilizes Seer’s Proteograph ONE Assay and advanced mass spectrometry. It will analyze 20,000 plasma samples—15,000 from cancer patients and 5,000 from healthy controls—collected from leading cancer institutions in Korea. Funded by the K-Health MIRAE program, this marks the first large-scale plasma proteomics effort employing mass spectrometry and AI for early cancer detection. The Proteograph ONE workflow enhances proteomic analysis efficiency, processing over 1,000 samples per week and improving protein identification compared to traditional methods.
## Potential Positives
– The Proteograph ONE Assay improves proteomic analysis efficiency, processing more than 1,000 samples weekly, which can accelerate research times.
– Collaborating with Korea University establishes Seer as a leader in innovative cancer diagnostics via large-scale plasma proteomics using AI and mass spectrometry.
– Supported by the K-Health MIRAE initiative, this funding highlights the project’s significance in advancing healthcare research.
## Potential Negatives
– Reliance on external funding may raise questions regarding the study’s sustainability and independence.
– The effectiveness of the newly launched Proteograph ONE Assay in a large-scale setting presents potential risks.
– Ethical concerns surrounding the collection of health data from numerous patients could affect public perception.
## FAQ
### What is the goal of the study?
The study aims to identify new blood-based cancer biomarkers for individuals in their 20s and 30s.
### How does the Proteograph ONE Assay improve proteomic analysis?
The assay speeds up analysis and reduces costs, making large-scale studies possible and enhancing early cancer detection.
### Which institutions are involved in the sample collection?
Plasma samples are sourced from Seoul National University Hospital, the National Cancer Center, and Samsung Medical Center.
### What technology supports the analysis?
The study employs Seer’s Proteograph ONE workflow and Thermo Scientific’s Orbitrap Astral mass spectrometer for advanced insights.
### Why is this study considered groundbreaking?
It integrates AI-driven analytics with mass spectrometry to provide more sensitive and personalized cancer diagnostics for young adults.
## Insider Trading Activity
Insiders at Seer have traded the company’s stock four times in the past six months without any purchases, resulting in four sales.
– CEO Omid Farokhzad sold 41,731 shares for approximately **$87,898**.
– President and CFO David R. Horn sold 10,310 shares for around **$21,967**.
## Hedge Fund Activity
In the most recent quarter, 20 institutional investors added shares of Seer, while 45 reduced their positions.
### Recent Notable Moves
– Tang Capital Management LLC decreased its holdings by 900,000 shares (-41.0%), valued at **$1,521,000**.
– ACUITAS Investments, LLC removed 424,414 shares (-100.0%), totaling **$980,396**.
– Citigroup Inc. cut back by 350,519 shares (-90.0%), valued at **$592,377**.
– Morgan Stanley reduced its holdings by 252,886 shares (-43.3%), amounting to **$427,377**.
– Jacobs Levy Equity Management, Inc. increased its shares by 201,491 (+124.5%), valued at **$340,519**.
## Full Release Summary
Seer, Inc. and Korea University have launched a landmark study to identify blood-based cancer biomarkers utilizing innovative technologies. By processing 20,000 plasma samples, the study aims to enhance early cancer detection for young adults, backed by the K-Health MIRAE initiative.
Seer, Inc. Partners with Korea University for Advanced Proteomics Study
Seer, Inc. collaborates with the Center of Proteogenome Research (CPGR) at Korea University to enhance proteomic analysis. Professor Sang-Won Lee notes that Seer’s Proteograph platform is the only solution that meets the depth, scale, and reproducibility needed for extensive research. The integration of Seer’s technology with CPGR’s dual online liquid chromatography allows for complex population-scale studies, advancing AI-powered cancer diagnostics for young adults.
This initiative seeks to improve diagnostics through deep proteomic analysis, striving for more sensitive and personalized interventions that could boost survival rates for young cancer patients globally.
Transformational Technology for Population-Scale Proteomics
Central to the project is Seer’s new Proteograph ONE workflow, unveiled at the 2025 American Society for Mass Spectrometry (ASMS) Conference in Baltimore, MD. This next-gen system enhances proteomic analysis by:
- Processing over 1,000 samples per week per instrument.
- Requiring just one mass spectrometry injection per sample.
- Completing 80-sample batches in under five hours of automated runtime.
- Identifying up to 10 times more proteins than traditional methods.
Omid Farokhzad, Chair and CEO of Seer, states that Korea University chose the Proteograph ONE workflow for its potential to unlock proteomics in large-scale research. This collaboration could redefine disease detection and management globally.
The study also uses Thermo Scientific’s Orbitrap Astral MS, recognized as a leading mass spectrometer for proteomics. Combined, the Proteograph platform and Orbitrap Astral MS facilitate comprehensive plasma proteome analysis, supporting critical discoveries in large populations.
Dan Shine, senior vice president at Thermo Fisher Scientific, emphasizes the power of the Orbitrap Astral MS and Proteograph ONE workflow in advancing plasma proteomics research and precision medicine.
These next-generation offerings represent a significant enhancement in the Proteograph Product Suite, making population-wide proteomics feasible and efficient. The partnership with Korea University highlights the technology’s potential to produce unbiased proteomic insights, accelerate biomarker discovery, and advance AI-based diagnostics.
About Seer, Inc.
Seer, Inc. (Nasdaq: SEER) specializes in deep, unbiased proteomics. Its Proteograph Product Suite integrates engineered nanoparticles, automation, optimized consumables, and advanced analytical software to address limitations in traditional methods. Seer’s workflow is designed for research purposes only and is not intended for diagnostic use. For more information, visit www.seer.bio.
Media Contact:
Consort Partners
Investor Contact:
Carrie Mendivil
The views expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
