Kaneka Releases PCR Test Kit for the COVID-19 Omicron Variant

Kaneka Corporation (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Minoru Tanaka) has released KANEKA RT-PCR Kit “SARS-CoV-2 (Omicron/Delta)”, a real-time PCR test kit capable of simultaneously detecting the Delta and Omicron variants of COVID-19. The kit has a suggested retail price of 110,000 yen (for 100 tests), excluding tax.

 

This test kit uses a reagent developed using Kaneka's molecular testing-related technologies. It can simultaneously identify the Omicron and Delta variants by detecting two mutations of spike protein^*1 characteristic of the Omicron variant (E484A and N856K) and a mutation characteristic of the Delta variant (L452R)^*2. The test kit detects two Omicron variant mutations, producing more accurate detection results. With the global increase in the number of omicron variants, the simultaneous identification of delta and omicron variants will reduce the testing burden.

Kaneka has already released the KANEKA Direct RT-PCR Kit SARS-CoV-2, an in-vitro diagnostic reagent that uses Kaneka's original sample processing technology to produce test results in less than an hour, and KANEKA RT-PCR Kit “SARS-CoV-2 (L452R/E484Q/E484K/N501Y)”, which can detect four variants simultaneously. These Kaneka products are being used by major sporting events and for pre-travel PCR testing, as well as in medical facilities and testing centers. They are helping make it possible to quickly test large numbers of samples.

 

Kaneka is taking a wide range of measures to combat COVID-19. These include the launching of the “Infection Initiative Team,” which conducts research and development regarding infection control measures including COVID-19, expanding our lineup of PCR test kits, performing contract manufacturing of DNA vaccine APIs and intermediates, developing antibody drugs, supplying PCR testing reagents and testing kits, and shipping vaccine using temperature controlled packages.