Pixelgen Technologies Expands Protein Interactomics Platform to South Korea Through Strategic Distribution Partnership
Key Insights
Pixelgen Technologies (search) has partnered with MDxK (search) to distribute its Proxiome Kit (search) in South Korea, expanding its Asia-Pacific presence following agreements in Japan and Australia.
The Pixelgen Proxiome Kit (search) represents the first commercial product capable of analyzing spatial protein interactions at nanoscale resolution, mapping up to 50,000 proteins per cell.
The technology addresses critical gaps in current research tools by enabling high-throughput analysis of protein clustering and colocalization for immunology, hematology, and CAR-T (search) research applications.
Pixelgen Technologies (search) has secured a distribution agreement with MDxK (search) (Molecular Diagnostics Korea) to bring its groundbreaking protein interactomics platform to South Korean researchers, marking another milestone in the company's Asia-Pacific expansion strategy. The partnership introduces the Pixelgen Proxiome Kit (search) to a rapidly growing life sciences market that is increasingly focused on precision medicine and drug development innovation.
Revolutionary Protein Analysis Technology
The Pixelgen Proxiome Kit (search), launched earlier this year, represents the first commercial product capable of analyzing the spatial location of cell surface protein (search) markers at unprecedented scale and resolution. The technology utilizes the company's patented Proximity Network Assay (search), a DNA-based chemistry system that assigns unique spatial positions to each target protein and its neighboring molecules across single cells.
The platform achieves an average resolution of 50 nanometers and can generate detailed maps of up to 50,000 proteins per cell. The Immuno 155 version contains a validated panel of 155 immune cell surface protein (search) targets, providing comprehensive data on protein abundance, clustering, and colocalization patterns.
"Pixelgen is filling an unmet need in the marketplace for technologies that help researchers understand how cells behave at the molecular level, at high throughput and scale," said Sungbo Shim, CEO of MDxK (search). "Existing tools lack the capability to support modern omics-scale studies."
Addressing Critical Research Applications
The technology platform supports researchers across multiple therapeutic areas, including immunology, hematology, and CAR-T (search) cell therapy development. The kit enables scientists to discover new biomarkers, better understand therapy mechanisms of action, and assess single-cell protein interactions with unprecedented detail.
The instrument-free system functions similarly to a sample preparation kit for next-generation sequencing and supports various cell types in suspension, including peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), bone marrow cells, cell lines, and dissociated organoids.
Strategic Market Expansion
The South Korean distribution agreement follows Pixelgen's established partnerships in Japan and Australia, reflecting the company's systematic approach to Asia-Pacific market penetration. According to Annika Branting, Pixelgen's Chief Marketing Officer, "South Korea is fast emerging as a life sciences hub of innovation, leading advancements in drug development and, more specifically, precision medicine."
MDxK (search), established in 2007 and recently acquired by DKSH (search) Business Unit Technology, brings extensive experience in the South Korean life sciences sector. The company serves hospitals, research institutes, laboratories, universities, and pharmaceutical companies throughout the region.
Technology Foundation and Future Applications
Pixelgen Technologies (search), founded in 2020, has developed the Proximity Network Assay (search) as a foundational technology platform designed to power multiple products for translational research. The company's mission focuses on delivering high-resolution biological insights by understanding the molecular basis of cellular function through novel protein interactomics approaches.
The platform's ability to provide nanoscale spatial analysis of immune cell proteins (search) at ultra-high capacity positions it as a critical tool for advancing precision medicine research. The technology's applications extend across immunology, hematology, and cell therapy development, areas where understanding protein interactions at the single-cell level is essential for therapeutic advancement.
DKSH (search) Business Unit Technology, which now includes MDxK (search) as a wholly owned subsidiary, generated net sales of CHF 549 million in 2024 and operates with approximately 1,820 specialists focused on specialized scientific and industrial applications across 36 markets.