[San Diego (U.S.) = E-Daily Reporter SONG YOUNG-DOO ] At Bio USA, held in San Diego, U.S., global pharmaceutical companies are showing keen interest in imaging biomarker technology amid the expanding market for Alzheimer’s treatments.

In particular, NEUROPHET Inc. is drawing attention as it accelerates commercialization by pursuing additional projects with major global pharmaceutical companies with which it is already conducting joint research. NEUROPHET Inc. plans to use new contracts signed in the second half of this year as a springboard to achieve commercialization and turn a profit next year, and to begin a full-scale push into the global market by leveraging its integrated solution that encompasses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET).

Joint Research Paper Published with Big Pharma... Additional Agreements Expected in the Second Half of the Year

Moon Young-jun, Chief Business Officer (CBO) of NEUROPHET Inc., met with Edaily at the Bio International Convention (Bio USA) on the 23rd (local time) and said, “We are discussing a new imaging-based project with a global Big Pharma company with whom we are already conducting joint research.” He added, “There is a possibility that we will sign additional research agreements in the second half of this year. We expect this to lead to commercialization agreements next year.”

NEUROPHET Inc. is currently conducting joint research on Alzheimer’s imaging biomarkers with a major global pharmaceutical company based on a Proof-of-Concept (PoC) agreement. The company explained that this collaboration goes beyond simple technology validation and also involves joint development utilizing the partner company’s data.

In particular, the company is scheduled to publish a joint paper with one global pharmaceutical company in the second half of this year. CBO Moon emphasized, “We have agreed to publish the results of our performance validation as co-authors from both companies. Publication in a peer-reviewed journal will itself serve as a reference proving our technological capabilities,” adding, “In addition to existing projects, we are in discussions regarding new imaging-based projects. As new discussions with other global companies have also begun, we are working to secure meaningful agreements in the second half of the year.”

NEUROPHET Inc. also expressed confidence in commercialization and achieving an operating profit next year. CBO Moon said, “Contracts with global big pharma companies may take various forms—such as joint development or co-marketing—rather than being primarily lump-sum payments like license-outs.” He added, “Revenue規模 may vary depending on the contract structure. However, the most important thing is that actual revenue will begin to be generated starting next year.”

He identified the following as key drivers for achieving profitability: △ commercialization with global big pharma companies △ expansion of direct sales in the U.S. △ the clinical trial image analysis (CRO) business △ and the expansion of products based on innovative medical technologies.

He said, “We have established a U.S. subsidiary, secured local staff, and are conducting sales activities; we expect to see results starting in the second half of this year. The CRO business involves large-scale projects, so it is expected to contribute significantly to earnings,” adding, “We also anticipate that the innovative medical technology business will serve as a meaningful cash cow starting next year.”

Expected to Be the Biggest Beneficiary in the Era of Alzheimer’s Treatments

The widespread adoption of Alzheimer’s treatments such as Lechembi and Kisunra is also expected to serve as a new growth opportunity for NEUROPHET Inc. He explained, “Quantitative amyloid PET analysis is crucial before prescribing these treatments. After prescription, at least four to five MRI scans must be taken and analyzed comparatively to check for amyloid-related imaging adverse reactions (ARIA),” he explained, adding, “Since it is a significant burden for radiologists to interpret all of this manually, demand for AI-based image analysis is growing rapidly.”

He continued, “Since NEUROPHET Inc.’s solution can support the entire treatment cycle—from determining eligibility for prescription to analyzing treatment efficacy and monitoring side effects—it is expected to directly benefit from market expansion.”

NEUROPHET Inc.’s key competitive advantage is its multimodal platform that integrates MRI and PET analysis. Both MRI and PET must be utilized in the course of Alzheimer’s treatment. NEUROPHET Inc.’s ability to provide amyloid PET quantification, MRI-based ARIA analysis, and long-term follow-up through a single solution is cited as its key differentiator. CBO Moon explained that the platform covers the entire treatment cycle, from prescribing decisions to safety and efficacy evaluations.

“While there are a few global companies that have received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for ARIA analysis solutions, most are MRI-centric,” he said. “A multimodal platform that combines PET analysis offers a distinct competitive advantage even in the global market.”

In the medical AI industry, NEUROPHET Inc.’s main overseas competitors are identified as icometrix, a Belgian AI brain imaging analysis company, and KORTEK CORPORATION, a U.S.-based firm. Both companies are targeting the market by highlighting MRI-based quantitative brain imaging analysis and ARIA (amyloid-related imaging adverse events) monitoring technology, which can occur during Alzheimer’s treatment.

In contrast, NEUROPHET Inc. differentiates itself by offering not only MRI analysis but also PET-based amyloid quantification on a single platform, thereby providing an integrated solution that encompasses patient screening, treatment efficacy assessment, and safety monitoring. In particular, unlike its major overseas competitors who focus on MRI-centric solutions, NEUROPHET Inc. is seen as having a competitive advantage in its ability to support the entire cycle of Alzheimer’s diagnosis and treatment through a multimodal approach that combines PET and MRI.

The company is also expected to accelerate its expansion into overseas markets. In the U.S., NEUROPHET Inc. plans to expand its market presence through its local subsidiary and direct sales organization, while in Japan and Southeast Asia, it intends to strengthen collaborations with local partners. CBO Moon stated, “We are currently on the verge of signing an agreement with a strong partner in the U.S. and are actively expanding our business in Japan, Singapore, and other regions,” adding, “The second half of this year and next year will mark a crucial turning point for NEUROPHET Inc. as it transitions from a research-focused company to a global commercialization enterprise.”