The companies will work in a parallel R&D pipeline for the project to target pathogenic bacteria. With bacterial challenges being some of the most prevalent in aquaculture worldwide, the products will be a welcome addition to the holistic health toolbox for farmers.
The companies predict that the technology will become a valuable component of integrated management strategies on-farm with both feed and water applications under investigation.
Matthew Tebeau, COO at Proteon Pharmaceuticals says, “Phages are a part of the natural microecosystem. Each target specific bacteria in order to keep the healthy balance in nature.
Bacteriophages have been known for over 100 years, however, using phage technology for aquaculture is an exciting development.
With Proteon’s expertise in phage development and Skretting’s expertise in health, we will work together to identify phages that will target specific bacteria, which we hope will significantly reduce these health challenges for farmers.”
In the initial phases of the project, Skretting will isolate the most prevalent specific strains of bacteria, while Proteon will determine the most effective complementary groups of phages.
Skretting Aquaculture Research Centre (ARC) researchers will then examine the efficacy of the phages during challenge trials.
Phages are the most numerous and oldest organisms on the planet.
They are organic, natural and omnipresent in the environment.
A critical part of the global microbiome, phages naturally protect animals and humans from bacteria.
Controlled delivery of phages, using precision biological tools promises to reduce antibiotic usage, overcoming the growing threat of antibiotic resistant bacteria, as well as to increase sustainability in aqua and agriculture and to improve human health.
Proteon Pharmaceuticals has been developing their phage-based products for over 10 years. They have been tested in Europe and Asia and proven in terms of efficacy and stability.
“Products based on bacteriophages are an effective tool for fighting bacterial diseases in farmed fish and shrimp, as they can eliminate only the specific pathogenic bacteria while not damaging the animal’s microbiome,” says Truls Dahl, Business Developer at Skretting. ■
New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that AgriAmerica Fruit Products has completed the revitalization and upgrade of a 69,000-square-foot grape juice processing facility located at 200 Water Street in the Village of Fredonia.