KIM FOREST ENTERPRISE, a leading genetic testing company, announced yesterday (April 24) that its U.S. subsidiary, Gene on Link LLC, has officially relocated and expanded its operations in Los Angeles. The newly upgraded laboratory has now fully launched localized services including molecular diagnostics, data analysis, and whole genome sequencing (WGS). Serving as a demonstration lab for diagnostic instruments and reagents from Taiwanese brands, the site will support product sales and customer services, aiming to capture business opportunities in the U.S. market and establish a vital bridge connecting Taiwan’s biotech industry to the U.S.
KIM FOREST stated that its laboratories in both Taiwan and the U.S. have obtained dual certifications from CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) and CAP (College of American Pathologists), making it one of the few companies worldwide with transnational clinical testing capabilities. This strategic setup not only enhances global clients' confidence in the company’s testing quality but also facilitates handling insurance-covered cases in the U.S., developing laboratory-developed tests (LDTs) for companion diagnostics, and supporting drug development and precision medicine collaborations. With this dual-lab operating model, KIM FOREST expects to significantly boost operational flexibility and resilience, accelerating its global market expansion.
Amid the growing trend of precision medicine, the company’s dual-certified labs in Taiwan and the U.S. enable the creation of a highly flexible and globally competitive operating model. This brings three key advantages: establishing a high-performance international division of labor, building the first ethnic Chinese whole-genome health management platform, and becoming a strategic platform to bridge the U.S. market.
The molecular profiling of biological samples also presents significant business potential. According to research, the North American cancer sample transaction market has surpassed US$8 billion in 2024 and is growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 18%. By 2034, it is projected to exceed US$50 billion. KIM FOREST has already identified this opportunity and laid the groundwork to deeply cultivate this market.
In terms of whole genome sequencing services, the company is targeting the Chinese community in California, leveraging its experience in Taiwan to drive business growth. With an estimated Chinese population of 1.6 million in California by 2025, KIM FOREST is one of the few companies capable of analyzing data specific to this population and offering comprehensive health management recommendations. Partnering with world-class sequencing company Illumina, KIM FOREST will capitalize on these advantages to gain traction in the Chinese market and generate revenue.
While Trump’s proposed “reciprocal tariff” policy may pose long-term tariff risks for Taiwan’s biotech industry, localizing production in the U.S. is becoming a trend. KIM FOREST emphasized that its expanded investment in the U.S. — including CLIA/CAP-certified labs in both countries, FDA-compliant lab data, and the application of AI technology — will support its continued development in the U.S. market. At the same time, it will export precision medicine solutions developed in Taiwan to help lead Taiwan’s biotech industry onto the global stage.
Resource: 金萬林-創加州實驗室喬遷擴大，鎖定美國NGS/WGS市場
