Toei Shinyaku Co., Ltd., a research-focused manufacturer of Agaricus, announces that U.S. Patent No. 12,736,534 B2 was issued on September 15, 2026. The patent covers a “Method for detecting and quantifying β-1,6-branched β-1,3-glucan or β-1,3-glucan, and kit for detecting and quantifying the same.” The technology arose from joint research on King Agaricus KA21 (open-field-cultivated Agaricus KA21 grown in Brazil) with the Department of Immunology, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences.
With this patent, all three of Toei Shinyaku’s β-glucan measurement technologies patented in Japan are now also patented in the United States.
About the technology
β-glucans in mushrooms such as Agaricus differ in their properties depending on their bonding patterns and branching structures. This technology detects and quantifies β-1,6-branched β-1,3-glucan and β-1,3-glucan using split reporter proteins. Expected applications include:
- Diagnostic kits for fungal infections
- Measurement of β-glucan content and quality evaluation of supplements, including those made with King Agaricus KA21
- Research on the mechanisms of action of β-glucans
The technology has also been filed in China, where a notice regarding the grant of the patent right and registration procedures was received on September 1, 2026. Procedures are currently under way.
Patent details
- U.S. Patent No.: US 12,736,534 B2 (issued September 15, 2026)
- Inventors: Daisuke Yamanaka, Yoshiyuki Adachi
- Applicant: Toei Shinyaku Co., Ltd.
- Corresponding Japanese Patent: No. 7632898 (registered February 10, 2025)
Toei Shinyaku’s β-glucan measurement patents (Japan / U.S.)
- β-glucan-binding protein, β-glucan detection kit, artificial DNA and bacterium: Japan 6966756 / US 11,542,307 B2 (January 3, 2023)
- β-1,6-glucanase variant and method for measuring β-1,6-glucan: Japan 7052967 / US 11,479,803 B2 (October 25, 2022)
- Method for detecting and quantifying β-1,6-branched β-1,3-glucan or β-1,3-glucan, and kit (this patent): Japan 7632898 / US 12,736,534 B2 (September 15, 2026)
We will continue to develop accurate β-glucan measurement technologies and to study the mechanisms of action of Agaricus, strengthening the scientific foundation of King Agaricus KA21. We will make another announcement when the patent takes effect in China.