Roche Diagnostics Korea said Monday it launched three PCR diagnostic products -- LightMix Modular Orthopox Virus, LightMix Modular Orthopox Virus, and LightMix Modular Orthopoxy Virus -- to detect the monkeypox virus with its subsidiary, TIB Molbiol.

All these test kits are quantitative PCR tests that can be examined by the LightCycler 480 II or cobas z 4803 analyzer, Roche diagnostic devices used in general hospitals and research institutions in Korea. These tests were developed and used for research purposes in May but have now been fully launched in Korea.

The first kit, LightMix Modular Orthopox Virus Kit, detects all forms of orthopoxviruses, including the monkeypox virus. The second kit, LightMix Modular Monkeypox Virus Kit, can target and diagnose all monkeypox viruses. The third kit, LightMix Modular Orthopox Virus, detects orthopoxviruses and simultaneously determines whether the monkeypox virus is present.

These diagnostic kits are now used for research in several countries.

The monkeypox virus, initially a rare endemic disease in central and western Africa, has been spreading rapidly worldwide since the first outbreak was reported in the U.K. on May 7. Recently, it has spread to non-climate disease areas other than Africa, such as the United States, Europe, and the Middle East. Additionally, Korea reported its first case on June 22.

In response to the outbreak of confirmed cases in Korea, the crisis warning system has been upgraded from "interest" to "caution." Last month, the government designated monkeypox as a second-class infectious disease and strengthened monitoring.

"Roche quickly released a diagnostic kit right after the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus, and similarly developed this monkeypox virus diagnostic kit very quickly," said CEO Kit Tang. "We look forward to cooperating with domestic medical staff and related institutions. We hope our innovative diagnostic solutions will play a key role in controlling infectious diseases."