ViAqua Therapeutics

ViAqua is the first orally administered health management for aquaculture to improve resistance to viral diseases.

ViAqua’s platform for improving resistance to viral diseases in shellfish and fish utilizes a proprietary RNAi particle formulation that triggers a cell reaction to disable the viral infection. The coated particles are delivered via feed or immersion to produce maximum effect and to reduce costs.

• Non-GMO, food-grade ingredients
• Simple application for growers
• Shorter, simpler regulatory path
• Platform technology enables treatment of sets of viruses

Status

At Q4 2018, the company demonstrated promising results in recent challenge test. ViAqua’s product pipeline is in place, utilizing ribonucleic acid interference (RNAi) and delivery platform.

• Q4 2018: Proof-of-concept for oral delivery of first product
• Signed joint development agreement with Skretting SA (Nutreco’s aquaculture division) for first product, including distribution and marketing by Skretting
• Preparing for high-volume manufacturing, including raising necessary funds and investigating collaboration opportunities
• 2018: ViAqua receives investment from Nutreco and VisVires New Protein
• 2017: Fish 2.0 competition finalist

ViAqua Therapeutics CEO Shai Ufaz starts his presentation at AquaVision, Stavanger, Norway, 11-13 June 2018.

In the Media

• ViAqua in AgFunder (2018)
• ViAqua founders interviewed about innovative research (nrg)
• Publication (Royal Society of Chemistry): Anti-viral RNAi nanoparticles protect shrimp against white spot disease

• Orally administered, non-GMO health management platform to prevent diseases in aquaculture
• Diseases cause 10% to 20% losses in shrimp aquaculture
• Annual global shellfish market: $36 billion; 10% annual growth
• Successful trials in United States, Thailand

Preventing and treating disease, particularly viral infections, is one of the major challenges facing aquaculture today. Currently, drugs to combat aquaculture diseases are generally injected into shellfish/fish one at a time. This labor-intensive and costly solution is relevant for large premium fish such as salmon, but it leaves shellfish and small fish unprotected, resulting in production losses of 20% or greater in certain species.

The underdeveloped area of virus/disease treatment in aquaculture is becoming a focus of interest and activity as the drive to increase food production for feeding the world’s growing population intensifies.

ViAqua’s first product is for shrimp, the most important aquaculture commodity, which accounts for 20% of the total international trade value of fish products. According to the USDA, diseases cause 10% to 20% losses in shrimp aquaculture. Delivery presents a major challenge for effective, economical treatment. Treatment for other shellfish (e.g., lobster, crab) and fish will follow.