Huons partners with Rappeler to roll out G6PD and vitamin C blood tests

Huons has entered the in vitro diagnostic medical device business by introducing a testing device capable of measuring G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) and vitamin C blood levels.

Huons announced on Friday that it recently signed an exclusive domestic sales agreement with Rappeler Corp. for the “Dr. Rappeler R1 Analyzer” and three types of test strips.

The Dr. Rappeler R1 Analyzer is an in vitro diagnostic medical device approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety as a Class I medical device. Using different consumable strips with a single device, it can test either G6PD levels or vitamin C blood concentrations. Results can be obtained within four minutes in clinical settings, making it highly versatile.

These two tests are used to ensure safety and confirm efficacy before and after administering high-dose vitamin C injections.

High-dose vitamin C injections targeting a blood concentration of 400 mg/dL are gaining attention as an anticancer treatment. However, a G6PD test is mandatory before administering high-dose vitamin C.

G6PD is an enzyme that protects red blood cells from harmful substances. If the body lacks sufficient G6PD activity, side effects such as hemolytic anemia can occur during high-dose vitamin C injection therapy, necessitating screening before prescribing vitamin C.

Additionally, measuring vitamin C blood levels before and after injection allows for precise quantification of the treatment's effectiveness.

Huons aims to establish the Dr. Rappeler R1 Analyzer in the market, focusing on hospitals and clinics that use its vitamin C injection, Merit C.

Huons possesses a comprehensive healthcare portfolio, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and medical devices. It is a market leader in vitamin therapy, centered around its high-dose vitamin C injection, Merit C.

“Rappeler R1 is a product that maximizes the therapeutic effect of vitamin C injections while minimizing side effects,” a Huons official said. “We will contribute to creating a customized, precision-medicine environment in conjunction with the high-dose vitamin C injection Merit C.”

Rappeler was established in 2018 to develop vitamin-based therapeutics and diagnostic devices. It researches and develops end-to-end solutions for on-site testing to ensure safe and effective vitamin C therapy. Huons Global and Rappeler signed a strategic business partnership agreement in 2021 to collaborate in the vitamin C field.