Tokyo, Japan—Tosoh has developed a SARS-CoV-2 detection kit for dedicated use with its established automated TRCR real-time molecular analyzer TRCReady®-80. The new kit, the TRCReady SARS-CoV-2, was approved for manufacture and sale in Japan as an in vitro diagnostic reagent on July 31, 2020. The company plans to start sales of TRCReady SARS-CoV-2 to medical institutions and testing facilities in mid-August 2020.
Used in combination with the company’s highly sensitive and easy-to-operate automated TRCR real-time molecular analyzer TRCReady-80, TRCReady SARS-CoV-2 will make testing for the SARS-CoV-2 possible in only about 40 minutes. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA (ribonucleic acid) will reveal if the test subject has been infected.
The TRCReady system is an important contributor to Tosoh’s bioscience business. It is characterized by its sensitivity, speed, ease of use, and compact size. First, a biological specimen that has gone through about 5 minutes of pre-treatment is placed in the device. It then takes about 40 minutes to automatically determine if SARS-CoV-2 RNA is present.
The efficiency made possible by combining the TRCReady-80 and TRCReady SARS-CoV-2 will greatly reduce the workload of medical and testing personnel. The compact nature of the TRCReady-80, moreover, will ease its installation in a wider range of medical and testing facilities. This can only strengthen testing and help prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Tosoh’s efforts to combat the SARS-CoV-2 do not stop here. As described in its May 21, 2020, news release, “Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Antibody Detection Reagent in Development at Tosoh,” the company is jointly developing reagents for SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests on Tosoh’s AIA®-CL series, fully automated chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay analyzers.1 Antibody tests help to detect those already infected with SARS-CoV-2. Tosoh is committed to begin sales of these reagents as soon as possible with the cooperation of all the parties involved in its development.
Through the provision of life science products and services, Tosoh hopes to contribute to resolving issues related to people’s health and welfare. The company intends to continue such initiatives.
1 The joint research report titled “Development of fully automated high-throughput immunodiagnostic system for SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection and research toward making this detection system available to the public,” was adopted by the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED) as part of its research projects as countermeasures against infectious diseases such as viruses for fiscal 2020. (Principal Researcher: Takeharu Yamanaka, Biostatistics Department, Association of Medical Science, Yokohama City University)
TRCReady SARS-CoV-2 detection kit
Automated TRCR Real-time Molecular Analyzer TRCReady-80
Overview of SARS-CoV-2 Detection Kit
Product name: TRCReady SARS-CoV-2
Product type: In vitro diagnostic reagent
Approval number: 30200EZX00050000
*This kit is specifically for use with the automated TRCR real-time molecular analyzer TRCReady-80, and is only available for the Japan market.
TRC Method
The TRC method (Transcription Reverse-transcription Concerted reaction) is a molecular-based procedure that combines the transcription-reverse transcription concerted reaction to amplify nucleic acids (RNA) isothermally and an INAF (intercalation activating fluorescence) probe that enhances fluorescence by binding to the nucleic acid to make it easily detectable.
Features of our TRC method test include (1) rapid amplification of target nucleic acids because of a continuous transcription-reverse transcription reaction; (2) test results with high sensitivity, as it tests for RNA; (3) reduced risk of false negative results by simultaneously amplifying and monitoring internal controls; and (4) ease of work, as the process is fully automated, from nucleic acid purification to the amplification and detection of nucleic acids.
For more information on Tosoh’s molecular testing products, please visit:
www.diagnostics.eu.tosohbioscience.com/our-products/molecular-analyzers/molecular-solutions
TOSOH CORPORATION
WHO WE ARE
Tosoh Corporation is the parent of the Tosoh Group, which comprises over 100 companies worldwide and a multiethnic workforce of over 12,000 people and generated net sales of ¥786.1 billion (US$7.2 billion at the average rate of ¥108.7 to the US dollar) in fiscal 2020, ended March 31, 2020.
WHAT WE DO
Tosoh is one of the largest chlor-alkali manufacturers in Asia. The company supplies the plastic resins and an array of the basic chemicals that support modern life. Tosoh’s petrochemical operations supply ethylene, polyethylene, and functional polymers, while its advanced materials business serves the global semiconductor, display, and solar industries. Tosoh has also pioneered sophisticated bioscience systems that are used for the monitoring of life-threatening diseases. In addition, Tosoh demonstrates its commitment to a sustainable future in part by manufacturing a variety of eco-products.
Stock Exchange Ticker Symbol: 4042
DISCLAIMER
This document may contain forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements concerning product development, objectives, goals, and commercial introductions, which involve certain risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are identified through the use of the word anticipates and other words of similar meaning. Actual results may differ significantly from the results expressed in forward-looking statements.