Path to Become a Paradigm Changer from Within
Bringing Together Our Technologies to Provide Solutions to Resolve Global Issues
Under the circumstances where the end of the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be foreseen, we contribute to virus infection countermeasures through scale-up of our small molecule pharmaceuticals, production technology, and quality control management and assurance skills as well as our accumulated knowledge of and technologies for the production of biopharmaceuticals from microorganisms, such as proteins and plasmid DNA(*1). We continue to provide various solutions to help people live a healthy, safe, and secure life, aiming to resolve social issues.
*1 Plasmid DNA: A general term for circular DNA molecules that exist outside the nucleus of bacteria, such as E. coli and yeast, and that are passed down to daughter cells through cell division.
Globally Pressing Need for Infection Control Measures
We have been actively engaged in the supply of PCR test reagents and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for Avigan® Tablet(*2) since the beginning of the spread of COVID-19. In August 2020, we joined a consortium that aims to mass-produce a DNA vaccine(*3) for COVID-19, which is being developed by AnGes Inc. and Osaka University, and so on. Our affiliate Kaneka Eurogentec S.A. has agreed to produce plasmid DNA for COVID-19 vaccines. Using its advanced technologies for mRNA(*4) and plasmid DNA production, Kaneka Eurogentec is responding to growing inquiries for contract production of COVID-19 vaccines, whose development is accelerated by pharmaceutical companies and biotech ventures.
In October 2020, we began selling an RT-qPCR test kit that allows detection of the novel coronavirus within an hour (product name: KANEKA Direct RT-qPCR Kit “SARS-CoV-2”) to medical institutions and testing facilities through our affiliate Kaneka Medix Corporation. In this test kit, pretreatment is completed by heat treatment only since there is no need to purify viral RNA(*5) from samples taken from saliva or the top of the throat. Accordingly, pretreatment that with conventional methods took around one hour is shortened to around five minutes, allowing the overall time needed for the PCR test to be greatly shortened to within an hour.
*2 Avigan® Tablet is a registered trademark of FUJIFILM Toyama Chemical Co., Ltd.
*3 DNA vaccine: A vaccine whereby introducing into the body plasmid DNA encoded with proteins from a part of the targeted pathogens (without using any dangerous pathogens), the proteins are produced within the body, giving immunity against said pathogens.
*4 mRNA: An RNA molecule that transcribes genetic information for protein synthesis from DNA. It is expected to be used for vaccines and therapeutics.
*5 Viral RNA: Genes characteristic of the novel coronavirus. Through PCR testing, viral RNA is amplified to detect infection.
Biopharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing building of Kaneka Eurogentec
PCR test kit capable of detecting the novel coronavirus within an hour
System for Addressing Infections with a Broad Range of Technologies
Providing Maximum Solutions under a Cross-sectional Corporate Structure
We have launched the Infection Initiative Team, which promotes R&D of infection control measures, aiming to promote unique social implementation of solutions from a wide range of perspectives by making maximum use of our various technologies. We are taking a wide range of measures to resolve the global COVID-19 issue, including the supplying of PCR test kits and PCR test reagents, the manufacturing of DNA vaccine, and the supplying of APIs for Avigan® Tablet. To make the world more wellness-first, we will provide various solutions, including advanced medical means, which are helpful to patients and related medical staff and help people live a healthy, safe, and secure life, by bringing together our technologies and combining superior external technology through joint research with the de Duve Institute of the University of Louvain (UCLouvain), Belgium.
