Kaneka Corporation has released KANEKA RT-PCR Kit SARS-CoV-2 (L452R/E484Q/E484K/N501Y), a real-time PCR test kit capable of simultaneously detecting four variants of COVID-19. The new kit has a suggested retail price of 217,800 yen, including tax, and is available for purchase starting from September 30. This test kit uses a reagent developed using Kaneka's molecular testing-related technologies. The reagent makes it possible to simultaneously detect four mutations of spike protein (the N501Y, E484K, E484Q, and L452R mutations) with a single PCR test. Based on the mutation detection patterns, it can efficiently detect variants (the Alpha, Delta, Kappa, and Beta or Gamma variants). The PCR kit for detecting COVID-19 released by Kaneka last year received approval in June of this year as "KANEKA Direct RT-PCR kit SARS-CoV-2" for use as an In-Vitro Diagnostic reagent. It is widely used in medical facilities and testing centers. 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, performing contract manufacturing of DNA vaccine APIs and intermediates, supplying the API used in “AviganTM”, developing antibody drugs, supplying PCR testing reagents and testing kits, and shipping vaccine using temperature controlled packages.