Japanese chemical manufacturer Kaneka has rolled out KANEKA RT-PCR Kit SARS-CoV-2, its real-time PCR test kit to detect four variants of Covid-19 simultaneously.
The new test kit leverages a reagent developed using the company’s molecular testing-related technologies.
The reagent is said to facilitate simultaneous detection of four mutations of spike protein, including the N501Y, E484K, E484Q, and L452R mutations, in a single PCR test.
Kaneka said that the test is capable of effectively detecting the Alpha, Delta, Kappa, and Beta or Gamma variants, based on the mutation detection patterns.
Also, the test does not require purification and its one-step RT-qPCR method enables detecting SARS-CoV-2 from nasopharyngeal swab and saliva samples within one hour.
With the new Covid-19 variant PCR test kit, Kaneka is enabled to contribute to the rapid detection of variants and the prevention of the spread of Covid-19.
Last year, the company has launched a PCR test kit for detecting Covid-19, dubbed KANEKA Direct RT-PCR kit SARS-CoV-2.
In June this year, the PCR test kit has been approved for use as an in-vitro diagnostic reagent, and is being widely used in medical facilities and testing centres, said Kaneka.
Furthermore, the company has launched an ‘Infection Initiative Team’ to conduct research and development on control measures of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The team will also contract manufacture vaccine components, develop antibody drugs, supply testing reagents and kits, and offer temperature-controlled packages for vaccine.
In October last year, Kaneka released an RT-qPCR test kit that enables detection of the novel coronavirus within an hour.
