SK Telecom launches genetic health care subscription service

SK Telecom and Macrogen's Care8 DNA test kit. [SK TELECOM]

Mobile carrier SK Telecom and gene testing company Macrogen launched a monthly subscription service Monday for a DNA analyzing service with connected health care app.

With a 12-month subscription plan costing 8,250 won ($7.10) per month, the service collects the DNA of the user and offers analyzed results via the mobile app called “Care8 DNA.” The app offers health-related information based on gene analysis including personalized diet plans and exercises that can be done at home.

Care8 DNA is a direct-to-consumer (DTC) gene test, meaning it connects the consumer directly to a gene testing company rather than going through a medical institute.

BIS Research forecast the global DTC gene test market will grow from 980 billion won in 2019 to 7.6 trillion won by 2028.

The service will end up costing 99,000 won for the full year, cheaper than other gene analysis services launched in the domestic market, the companies said.

Collected with a mouth swab sent to the user, this DNA test offers data on 29 categories, like skin aging, possibility of hair loss, resistance to nicotine and the body’s recovery speed after exercise. With the results, users can also receive one-on-one sessions with an actual nutritionist and clinical exercise physiologists that offer advice on which exercise the user should engage in considering their fitness levels.

Care8 DNA is the outcome of a collaboration between SK Telecom, Macrogen and Invites Healthcare. The technology in gene testing and analysis was offered by Macrogen. Invites Healthcare, a joint venture SK set up with private equity Newlake Alliance, specializes in digital health care technology.

Any user of SK Telecom’s telecommunication service over 19 years old can purchase the subscription service from the company’s official Tworld website, mobile app or brick-and-mortar stores.

BY SONG KYOUNG-SON [song.kyoungson@joongang.co.kr]