Huons Launches Rapid Vitamin C Test Device Nationwide

Huons, a major player in the healthcare sector, has made a decisive move into the in vitro diagnostic (IVD) medical device market with the launch of a cutting-edge device capable of measuring both G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) activity and vitamin C concentration in blood. The announcement, made on January 30, 2026, marks a significant expansion of Huons’ already robust healthcare portfolio and signals its commitment to advancing personalized medicine, especially in the field of vitamin C therapy.

According to Korea Biomedical Review, Huons has secured an exclusive domestic sales agreement with Rappeler Corp. for the distribution of the Dr. Rappeler R1 Analyzer and three types of dedicated test strips. This partnership leverages the strengths of both companies—Huons’ extensive market reach and Rappeler’s expertise in vitamin-based diagnostics and therapeutics. The agreement is expected to rapidly expand the availability of precision diagnostic tools in clinical settings across South Korea.

The Dr. Rappeler R1 Analyzer, recently approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety as a Class I medical device, stands out for its versatility and efficiency. The device employs consumable strips to test for either G6PD levels or vitamin C blood concentrations, providing results in a swift four minutes. Such rapid turnaround is particularly valuable in clinical environments, where timely information can make all the difference in patient care. The analyzer’s point-of-care capabilities mean that hospitals and clinics can provide immediate feedback and adjust treatments on the spot—a crucial advantage in modern medicine.

But why the focus on G6PD and vitamin C? High-dose vitamin C injections, targeting a blood concentration of 400 mg/dL, are drawing increasing attention as a potential anticancer treatment. However, this therapy is not without risks. G6PD is an enzyme that protects red blood cells from oxidative damage. A deficiency in G6PD can lead to severe side effects, such as hemolytic anemia, especially when exposed to high levels of vitamin C. That’s why a G6PD test is mandatory before administering high-dose vitamin C injections. As Korea Biomedical Review reports, “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.”

Measuring vitamin C blood levels before and after injection is equally important. This allows clinicians to precisely quantify the effectiveness of the treatment, ensuring that the administered dosage is both safe and therapeutically effective. The Dr. Rappeler R1 Analyzer’s ability to deliver both tests with a single device streamlines this process, reducing the need for multiple instruments and minimizing delays in patient care.

Huons plans to establish the Dr. Rappeler R1 Analyzer in hospitals and clinics that already use its flagship high-dose vitamin C injection, Merit C. Merit C has positioned Huons as a market leader in vitamin therapy, and the integration of the analyzer is expected to further solidify this standing. “Rappeler R1 is a product that maximizes the therapeutic effect of vitamin C injections while minimizing side effects,” a Huons official told Korea Biomedical Review. “We will contribute to creating a customized, precision-medicine environment in conjunction with the high-dose vitamin C injection Merit C.”

The synergy between Huons and Rappeler is not new. Rappeler, established in 2018, has been dedicated to the development of vitamin-based therapeutics and diagnostic devices. The company’s focus on providing end-to-end solutions for on-site testing aligns perfectly with Huons’ ambitions in the vitamin C therapy market. In fact, the two companies signed a strategic business partnership agreement in 2021 to collaborate more closely in this field, aiming to “strengthen cooperation within the Vitamin C market,” according to Korea Biomedical Review.

For Huons, this move into in vitro diagnostics is more than just a business expansion. It represents a commitment to precision medicine—a trend that is rapidly gaining traction in healthcare systems worldwide. Personalized medicine seeks to tailor treatments to the unique genetic, biochemical, and environmental factors of each patient. By offering rapid, reliable diagnostic tools like the Dr. Rappeler R1 Analyzer, Huons is enabling clinicians to make more informed decisions, reduce the risk of adverse reactions, and optimize therapeutic outcomes for patients undergoing high-dose vitamin C therapy.

Rappeler’s CEO, Changhwan Yeom, has emphasized the importance of safe and effective vitamin C treatments. The company is currently focused on developing total point-of-care solutions, allowing clinicians to monitor treatment progress in real time. This is particularly relevant for cancer patients, who may be more vulnerable to complications from both their disease and its treatments. The ability to quickly assess G6PD activity and vitamin C levels means that adjustments can be made promptly, reducing the risk of complications and improving patient outcomes.

Huons’ broader healthcare portfolio includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and a variety of medical devices. The company’s leadership in vitamin therapy, particularly with Merit C, has already set a high standard in the field. By integrating the Dr. Rappeler R1 Analyzer into its network of hospitals and clinics, Huons is poised to further enhance the safety and efficacy of its treatments. As a company official stated, “The Dr. Rappeler R1 Analyzer is designed to maximize the therapeutic efficacy of Vitamin C injections while minimizing potential side effects. We aim to contribute to the advancement of personalized precision medicine by integrating the analyzer with our high-dose Vitamin C injection, 'Merit C.'”

The medical community has welcomed the introduction of the Dr. Rappeler R1 Analyzer, recognizing its potential to improve patient care and streamline clinical workflows. The device’s approval by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety as a Class I in vitro diagnostic medical device underscores its safety and reliability. Its rapid, accurate results and ease of use make it an attractive option for healthcare providers seeking to adopt precision medicine practices.

Looking ahead, the partnership between Huons and Rappeler is expected to yield further innovations in the field of vitamin therapy and diagnostics. With the rise of personalized medicine and increasing demand for point-of-care testing, devices like the Dr. Rappeler R1 Analyzer are likely to become standard tools in hospitals and clinics not just in South Korea, but potentially around the world. The collaboration between these two companies sets a strong precedent for how strategic partnerships can drive progress in medical technology and ultimately benefit patients.

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, Huons’ entry into the in vitro diagnostic market with the Dr. Rappeler R1 Analyzer demonstrates a clear vision for the future—one where precision, safety, and patient-centered care are at the forefront of innovation.