Japanese company expands production of medical test kits at PH – Manila Bulletin

The Japanese group Arkray is expanding its operations in the Philippines in the manufacture of medical test kits, according to the Board of Investments.

The Philippines Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) has already approved two new projects by Arkray Industry Inc. and its sister company Arkray Industry West Inc. that authorize their operations with a package of tax and fiscal incentives.

Arkray Industry Inc., a subsidiary of the Japanese firm Arkray Inc., recently ventured into the production of reverse transcription polymerase reaction (RT-PCR) test kits (i-densy Pack Universal Reagent and SARS-CoV-2 Detection Primer Probe Set Reagent) at its Batangas facilities. The company currently employs

500 people and is projected to increase with expansion.

Additionally, Arkray Industry Inc. and its sister company, Arkray Industry West, Inc., also announced that they are increasing their production capacity for urine and blood analyzers; blood glucose test meters and their reagents, as it expanded its networks and alliances with local associations, distributors and agencies.

Arkray’s is also seriously considering the production of a hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test cartridge and the assembly of reverse transcription polymerase reaction (RT-PCR) test machines in the country soon.

“We have seen signs of recovery. The expansion plans of companies like Arkray are a testament to the country’s resilience even in times of adversity. We can truly make things happen for local and foreign investors to grow their businesses here amidst challenges, ”said Commerce Secretary Ramón López, who is also president of PEZA.

“Arkray’s recent business activity also reaffirms our competence to host activities in the production of critical medical products and devices in the country. Even during the height of the pandemic, the Philippines did not impose any restrictions on the export of these products, but instead helped train manufacturing companies so that they could support domestic and foreign demand, ”said Ceferino Rodolfo, DTI Undersecretary and CEO by BOI.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued certifications for these test kits following validation testing by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM). The evaluation report of the validation test indicated that the RT-PCR test kits are 100 percent sensitive and 100 percent specific with a 95 percent confidence interval.

“And with the largest testing capacity in our country, the demand for testing has also increased. This policy is an opportunity for the government to regulate test prices so that they are more affordable and accessible to all Filipinos, ”said López.

The RT-PCR test kits have a short response time of 1.5 hours and an accuracy rate of 90-98 percent. However, the kits are currently produced to order only and the total production depends on the demand of your clientele to maintain its precision in view of its short service life. The kit is priced at P1,600.00.