Bertis, a South Korea-based precision medicine company, has inked a strategic partnership with Innoquest Diagnostics, Singapore’s leading clinical diagnostics laboratory, in a move that could transform cancer detection across South East Asia.
The collaboration, announced on 7 July, will see Innoquest operate and commercialise Bertis’ proteomics-powered diagnostic tests—starting with MASTOCHECK®, a non-invasive blood test for early breast cancer detection. The rollout begins in Singapore, with plans to expand across the regional network of Pathology Asia, Innoquest’s parent company.
Pathology Asia operates in Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, and Australia—collectively serving more than 500 million people. The strategic deal aims to localise testing infrastructure and expand access to advanced diagnostic tools amid the region’s growing healthcare needs.
“More than just a distribution deal, it marks a strategic entry into the South East Asia cancer diagnostics market based on our proprietary technology,” said Seung-man Han, CEO of Bertis. “We hope that MASTOCHECK® and our broader portfolio of proteomics-based early detection solutions will make a meaningful contribution to improving cancer care across diverse healthcare systems.”
Bertis’ proteomics platform leverages mass spectrometry to identify disease-specific protein biomarkers. In addition to breast cancer, the company’s CHECK series of blood tests is being developed to detect pancreatic and ovarian cancers, with further applications expected.
Thomas Halusa, CEO of Innoquest Diagnostics, noted the partnership’s potential to address critical screening gaps in the region.
“We are excited to partner with Bertis to bring innovative, blood-based cancer screening tools to Singapore and the broader region,” Halusa said. “This collaboration aligns with our commitment to advancing accessible, science-led diagnostic solutions and reinforces our role as the region’s partner of choice for global medical technology innovators.”
Cancer remains a major health burden across Southeast Asia, with late-stage diagnoses common due to limited access to routine screening. The World Health Organization estimates that the region could face over two million new cancer cases annually by 2040. Non-invasive, affordable blood tests like MASTOCHECK® offer a promising alternative to traditional screening methods that may be costly or invasive.
With this deal, Bertis cements its operational footprint in Asia-Pacific, while Innoquest boosts its capabilities as a regional diagnostics hub. The partnership also sets the stage for future expansion into markets like Hong Kong and Australia.
As Southeast Asia increasingly embraces precision medicine, the Bertis-Innoquest tie-up could represent a pivotal shift in cancer care, offering earlier detection, better outcomes, and greater healthcare equity for millions across the region. 
