바이오스펙테이터

바이오스펙테이터 Sungmin Kim 기자

Strengthening technological foundation, also facilitates market expansion

▲Brandon Suh, CEO of Lunit

Lunit (KRX:328130.KQ), a leading provider of AI-powered solutions for cancer diagnostics and therapeutics, proudly announces the successful completion of its acquisition of Volpara Health Technologies, a global leader in medical software for breast cancer screening.

This landmark acquisition, completed in an impressive eight-month timeline, marks a significant milestone in Lunit’s mission to conquer cancer through AI. The deal encompasses a total of 254 million shares, amounting to a substantial value of approximately AUD 292 million (USD 193 million).

The acquisition of Volpara significantly boosts Lunit’s capabilities in AI-driven cancer diagnostics. With this acquisition, Lunit integrates Volpara’s advanced breast health platform—such as breast density assessment, Scorecard™, and screening workflow enhancement—with its AI-powered solutions for breast cancer detection. This creates a unique, holistic AI suite that enhances every part of breast screening, both detection capabilities and administrative processes. The all-encompassing offering positions the unified company to lead the market with a powerful suite and a robust industry reputation.

Looking forward, Lunit is set to capitalize on the powerful synergy with Volpara, to develop autonomous AI models—an unmatched capability in the industry. These advanced AI systems will independently screen, detect, and diagnose cancer, heralding a new era in cancer diagnostics and significantly enhancing patient care worldwide.

In addition to strengthening our technological foundation, this acquisition also facilitates market expansion.

With Volpara’s established presence in over 2,000 U.S. medical sites, Lunit is strategically positioned for a robust entry into the American market, the largest healthcare market in the world. The US AI healthcare market is projected to grow from USD 2.9 billion in 2022 to USD 51.3 billion by 2030, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 43.22%, driven by the need for more efficient healthcare services and potential cost savings. Furthermore, the recent recommendation by the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) to lower the breast cancer screening age from 50 to 40 is expected to increase screening demand, presenting a tremendous opportunity.

Leveraging Volpara's extensive presence in the United States, Lunit will introduce its solutions to this expansive market, enhancing accessibility and adoption. Conversely, Lunit plans to promote Volpara’s solutions across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and South America, where Lunit has established a strong market presence. This expansion will catapult the Group’s reach to a broader audience, solidifying its position as a global leader in the market.

“We are thrilled to welcome Volpara into the Lunit family. Today, we take a monumental step towards revolutionizing our approach to cancer care. By combining our strengths, we are creating a formidable alliance in the industry, particularly in the US market. This merger enables us to develop and deliver innovative, life-saving solutions that meet critical needs in cancer diagnostics,” said Brandon Suh, CEO of Lunit. “While our initial focus remains on breast cancer, both Lunit and Volpara are committed to broadening our offerings to address a wider range of cancers and medical conditions. Together, we will enhance our technological capabilities and strengthen our mission to lead the global fight against cancer.”

“This merger represents an exciting opportunity to enhance our impact on global healthcare. We can significantly improve early cancer detection and patient outcomes by integrating Volpara’s innovative breast screening technology with Lunit’s AI capabilities. Together, we aim to set new standards in cancer diagnostics and drive forward advancements that will benefit healthcare providers and patients globally. Our shared vision to conquer cancer will undoubtedly pave the way for transformative developments in medical AI,” added Teri Thomas, CEO of Volpara.