[Photo and Text by Lee Daily Reporter Hong Ju-yeon ] “For chronic conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), early treatment is crucial. Seeing patients who, had their conditions been detected and managed early on, would not have needed to undergo rehabilitation therapy—that’s what led me to start this company.”

These were the words of Kim Byung-soo, CEO of TR, in response to a question about the background of his startup. Specializing in cardiac and respiratory rehabilitation physical therapy, CEO Kim repeatedly witnessed patients whose conditions had worsened due to the failure to detect respiratory diseases in a timely manner while working in the rehabilitation ward of a university hospital. Since most primary care facilities are operated primarily by general and gastroenterology specialists, there was a structural gap that made it difficult for patients to receive an appropriate initial consultation even when they complained of respiratory symptoms. With the goal of filling this gap, CEO Kim founded TR in 2020.

Digital device diagnoses like a specialist… “The Spirokit” adopted by 470 hospitals

TR’s flagship product is the digital-based pulmonary function tester, “The Spirokit.” When a patient places the device in their mouth and inhales and exhales, an algorithmic system analyzes the data to diagnose asthma and COPD and assist in determining a treatment plan. CEO Kim explained, “It is a diagnostic aid that helps even non-respiratory specialists make diagnoses just like a specialist would.”

With conventional pulmonary function testers, doctors had to provide guidance directly and interpret the results themselves. In contrast, The Spirokit uses an algorithm based on the latest clinical guidelines (GOLD and GINA) to assess severity through flow-volume curve analysis and even guide treatment decisions. By providing real-time guidance on the test procedure, breathing intensity, and remaining time via a tablet PC, it has also improved patient compliance. Designed as a wireless, handheld device weighing approximately 123g, it can be used in various settings, including hospital wards and mobile screening centers.

According to CEO Kim, as of this month, The SpiroKit has been adopted by 472 hospitals, ranging from neighborhood clinics to respiratory departments at university hospitals and large health screening centers. Demand is growing rapidly as pulmonary function tests were added to the national health screening program for citizens aged 56 to 66 starting this year.

CEO Kim stated, “In reality, there are still a significant number of hospitals that do not have pulmonary function testers at all, and there is also high demand from facilities planning to replace their existing products with The SpiroKit by the end of this year, which has expanded our capacity to supply the product.” The number of monthly adoptions has also increased more than fivefold, from 5 to 26, following the addition of pulmonary function tests to the national health screening program.

Strategic Partnerships with DAEWOONGPHARMACEUTICAL and Naver… Strengthening Sales Network and Technology

TR is expanding its growth foundation this year by successively signing strategic investment agreements with DAEWOONGPHARMACEUTICAL(069620) and #Naver. The company signed a supply agreement with DAEWOONGPHARMACEUTICAL to strengthen its sales network targeting hospitals, clinics, and health screening centers nationwide. TR will handle development and manufacturing, while DAEWOONGPHARMACEUTICAL will manage distribution, sales, and marketing.

Going a step further, the two companies also signed a three-party memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop a next-generation smart ward solution that integrates SEERS’ smart bed monitoring system “Think” with The SpiroKit. The goal is to create an environment where even hospitalized patients with limited mobility can undergo pulmonary function tests from their beds.

CEO Kim stated, “Since entering into the partnership with DAEWOONGPHARMACEUTICAL, we have noticed a tangible increase in trust in TR.”

The collaboration with Naver is focused on technological advancement. TR plans to operate its pulmonary function data analysis and LLM-based interpretation system in conjunction with Naver Cloud and the generative AI “HyperClova X.” The plan is to migrate the database to Naver Cloud and enhance the AI interpretation service based on integration with cloud-based electronic medical records (EMR). Furthermore, the company plans to develop a Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS) that comprehensively collects and analyzes patient survey and laboratory test data.

Target

Revenue of 5 Billion Won This Year… Pursuing an IPO in 2028

Business results are also becoming visible. Revenue, which stood at around 450 million won last year, exceeded 600 million won as of May. TR expects to achieve 5 billion won in revenue this year. For next year, the company is targeting over 5 billion won in revenue from The SpiroKit alone. TR is currently conducting a Series B funding round. Upon completion of this round, TR’s cumulative investment is expected to reach 8 billion won. The company plans to select an underwriter in the second half of this year, with an initial public offering (IPO) targeted for 2028.

The company is also accelerating its expansion into overseas markets. In Vietnam, TR has partnered with global pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca and is conducting a proof of concept (PoC) to supply The SpiroKit to 100 local hospitals. The company is also preparing for certification under the European Union’s Medical Device Regulation (CE) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). During the approximately two-year certification process, TR plans to build a track record in the domestic market to lay the groundwork for global expansion.

TR’s vision extends beyond The SpiroKit. The company aims to become a full-cycle respiratory disease solutions provider—covering diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation—with products ranging from The Neb, a next-generation Internet of Things (IoT)-based nebulizer, to the AeroKit inhaler aid, and a digital therapeutics (DTx)-based respiratory rehabilitation program.

CEO Kim said, “I take great pride in being able to contribute to the early diagnosis and treatment of patients,” adding, “I want to grow into a company that brings hope to patients’ lives.”