April 19, 2021
Denka Company Limited

Denka Develops COVID-19 Variants Detection System～The system detects multiple variants with one type of reagent, streamlining assay processes
and expediting detection～
Denka Company Limited (headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; president: Toshio Imai; hereinafter “Denka”)
has commenced a verification trial of a variant detection system with the Faculty of Medicine of Toho
University, using testing and research reagents that detect COVID-19 variants. The reagent has beendeveloped by Denka jointly with PlexBio Co., Ltd. (headquarters: Taipei; CEO: Dr. Dean Tsao;
hereinafter “PlexBio”), a business partner in which Denka owns a 33.4% equity stake. The system uses
PlexBio’s IntelliPlex™ system and π code(*) technology, which feature high sensitivity and amultiple-assay capability.
As the COVID-19 pandemic persists, concern is rising over the spread of variants in many countries,
including Japan. In this situation, issues have emerged with the implementation of assays, which involve a
number of processes, and the handling of large numbers of samples, which is time-consuming.
This variant detection system is capable of simultaneously detecting multiple types of mutation sites invariants, which are known as the UK-type, Brazilian-type, South African-type and Californian-type, withone type of reagent. Accordingly, the system is expected to help institutions conducting assays streamline
the assay process and expedite detection.
Denka has commenced a joint verification experiment with Professor Kazuhiro Tateda and Professor
Yoshikazu Ishii (Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease) of the Faculty of Medicine of Toho
University, using a prototype of the testing and research reagent and PlexBio’s RUO (Research Use Only)
measuring device. Initial results have been promising. Denka aims to promote the product as a variant
detection system within a month or two, with a focus on sales to institutions conducting assays.
Denka considers measures against COVID-19 to be part of its social responsibility. With this in mind, it
is pursuing initiatives to contribute to measures against COVID-19 from a range of perspectives with thecooperation and support of government agencies, public institutions, and domestic and overseas research
institutions. Taking full advantage of π code technology features, namely, highly sensitive detection andthe multiple-assay capability, Denka will contribute to advances in epidemiological research. By doing so,
it will work to improve quality of life and aim to become a company that is genuinely needed by society.

(*)TheThe IntelliPlexTMsystem and π code technology
A key component of the IntelliPlexTM system created by PlexBio,, π code technology involves the use of magnetic
micro discs engraved with a unique pattern. These discs can be attached to probes used for antibody and geneticmeasurement to help identify substances under examination and enables simultaneous multiplex asassays. The
combination of π code technology and measurements based on fluorescence spectroscopy utilizing fluorescenttaggingtagging—aa highly sensitive detection method conventionally limited to one target at a time—ensures
time ensures that theIntelliPlexTM system is not only
only capable of highly sensitive detection but the simultaneous analysis of multiple items
as it employs image recognition to read the probe discs.

Pictures of laboratory instruments developed by PlexBio

Image of ̟ code

Diameter: 50µm or smaller

Cleansing and reaction

Detection equipment

equipment
・IntelliPlex™
IntelliPlex™ is a registered trademark of PlexBio Co., Ltd.
・For more details of PlexBio, the IntelliPlex™ system and π code technology, please also visit PlexBio
PlexBio’s official

website (http://www.plexbio.com).
http://www.plexbio.com*The impact of this matter on the forecast consolidated financial results for the fiscal year ending March 31,
2022 (scheduled to be announced on Wednesday, May 12, 2021) is minor.
*Reference“DenkaDenka to Step up Business Alliance with Taiwan-Based
Taiwan Based PlexBio through the Acquisition of Shares Offered via
Third--Party
Party Allotment”
Allotment (July 30, 2019)https://www.denka.co.jp/eng/storage/news/pdf/240/20190730_pb_e.pdf

About Denka
Denka is a chemical manufacturer headquartered in Chuo
Chuo-ku,ku, Tokyo. The company specializes in developing
business activities on a global scale across a wide range of fields, from inorganic and organic chemicals, toelectronic materials and pharmaceuticals. Founded in 1915, Denka has steadily continued to develop andmanufacture products that contri
contribute
bute to the development of society by fully utilizing its unique concepts andtechnological capabilities. Upholding its corporate slogan, “Possibility of chemistry”
chemistry the company and its
president, Toshio Imai are committed to contributing to the sound devel
development
opment of the society while sincerely
tackling the challenges that the society is now confronting.
For inquiries about this press release:
Corporate Communications Dept.

Tel: +81-3
3-5290-5511