June 16, 2021
Denka Company Limited

Denka Starts Selling Research Reagent That Detects Mutation
Mutation Sites
in COVID-19
COVID 19 Virus on June 16, 2021
- The reagent simultaneously detects 10 types of mutation sites in the COVID-19
COVID 19 variants and contributes
to epidemiological research –Denka Company Limited (headquarters: Chuo-ku,Chuo ku, Tokyo; president: Toshio Imai; hereinafter, “Denka”) started tomarket the Intel
IntelliPlexTM SARS-CoV-2
SARS
2 Variant Analysis Kit, a detection research reagent used for a system thatsimultaneously detects different mutations in the COVID
COVID-19
19 virus, on June 16, 2021 with a focus on sales toinstitutions conducting assays. Denka has been impleme
implementing
nting a verification trial of the system jointly with the Facultyof Medicine of Toho University. Denka is carefully assessing the impact of the matter on consolidated results for thefiscal year ending March 31, 2022 and will make announcements promptly in the occurrence of any matters thatshould be disclosed.
The reagent has been developed by Denka jointly with PlexBio Co., Ltd. (headquarters: Taipei, Taiwan; CEO: Dr.
Dean Tsao; hereinafter “PlexBio”), a business partner of which Denka owns a 33.4% equity stake. It is used incombination with a dedicated reaction device and detection device, both are RUO (Research Use Only) devices thathave already been released by PlexBio. By using PlexBio’s π code method1, which features high sensitivity and aan
unparalleled multiple-assay
assay capability, it enables the detection of the alpha, beta and gamma variant of theSARS-CoV--2 which are of critical importance in the fight againt COVIDCOVID-19,19, via the identification of 10 mutationsites of the COVID
COVID-19
19 virus simultaneously
ously in a streamlined assay processprocess. As the π code method 1 can theoreticallydetect more than 100 mutation sites in 1 single reaction
reaction,, Denka will continue to upgrade the IntelliPlexTM
SARS-CoV--22 Variant Analysis reagents with PlexBio to expand its coverage to detect new variant of concerns once
being found or spread.
Denka considers measures against COVID-19
COVID 19 to be part of its social responsibility. With this in mind, Denka ispursuing initiatives to contribute to measures against COVID
COVID-19
19 in a wide range of fields from cooperation andsupport to government agencies, public institutions, to cooperation with domestic and overseas research institutions.
While fully utilizing high sensitivity and multiple-plex
multiple plex capability feature of the π code method, Denka is committed toimprove quality of life through efforts to advance epidemiological research and will seek to create a company that isgenuinely needed and indispensable to society.
<System that simultaneously detects different types of mutant genes (sites) in the COVID
COVID-19
19 virus><Research reagent for detection><Reaction device><Detection device>
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(*1) π code method
The π code method, which was developed by PlexBio, uses a magnetic micro disc, the surface of which isengraved with image patterns for its identification. With a probe fixed to the disc to catch DNA target (or atigen
fixed on the surface of the disc to catch antibodies, or vice versa), the technology enables the identification of thetarget in a specimens or substance to be inspected. With different π code for different targets, plus thefluorescence method-based measurement technology, IntelliPlexTM system make simultaneous identification ofmultiple targets with a high degree of sensitivity streamline and easy. With the conventional fluorescence method,a substance to be inspected can be recognized to a high degree of sensitivity by measuring the level of fluorescenceof marks attached to the substance being inspected. This widely used technology, however, is incapable ofmeasuring multiple items simultaneously, in principle.
(*2) 10 types of characteristic mutation sites in the COVID-19 virus. L452R, Y453F, E484K, E484Q, N501Y,D614G, P681H, K417N, K417T, del69/70
・IntelliPlex is a registered trademark of PlexBio Co., Ltd.
・For more details of PlexBio, the IntelliPlex™ system and π code technology, please visit PlexBio’s corporate website(http://www.plexbio.com).
About Denka
Denka is a chemical manufacturer headquartered in Chuo-ku, Tokyo. The company specializes in developing businessactivities on a global scale across a wide range of fields, from inorganic and organic chemicals, to electronic materials
and pharmaceuticals. Founded in 1915, Denka has steadily continued to develop and manufacture products that
contribute to the development of society by fully utilizing its unique concepts and technological capabilities.
Upholding its corporate slogan, “Possibility of chemistry” the company and its president, Toshio Imai, are committed
to contributing to the sound development of the society while sincerely tackling the challenges that the society is nowconfronting. For more information, please visit: https://www.denka.co.jp/eng/*Reference
・”Denka Develops COVID-19 Variants Detection System ～The system detects multiple variants with one type of reagent,streamlining assay processes and expediting detection～” April 19, 2021
https://www.denka.co.jp/eng/storage/news/pdf/346/20210419_denka_covid19_pb_en.pdf
・“Denka to Step up Business Alliance with Taiwan-Based PlexBio through the Acquisition of Shares Offered
via Third-Party Allotment” July 30, 2019https://www.denka.co.jp/eng/storage/news/pdf/240/20190730_pb_e.pdf[For Inquiries about This Press Release]
Corporate Communications Dept.

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