Sundew ApS, a venture focused on combating aquatic pests, diseases and invasive species, acquired MicroSynbiotiX Ltd. In parallel, Sundew raised €1.4M in equity and convertible loan funding from The Yield Lab Europe and The Danish Growth Fund (Vaekstfonden). 

MicroSynbiotiX’s algal RNA interference (RNAi)-based production and delivery technologies provide Sundew with additional capabilities and product lines in its mission to provide effective, affordable and environmentally benign products that combat aquatic pests, diseases and invasive species. As one example, it has the potential to protect shrimp against viral white spot disease.  

Sundew’s and MicroSynbiotiX’s technology platforms have multiple synergies, including development (e.g. strain improvement), production (fermentation and DSP), regulatory frameworks and marketing. The acquisition also brings MicroSynbiotiX’s intellectual property portfolio into the Sundew pipeline. This IP includes a granted patent for producing and delivering therapeutic silencing RNAs to shrimp using micro-algal fermentation and chloroplast engineering. MSX’s products complement Sundew’s current product pipeline which includes Biokos, a natural and environmentally friendly product for parasitic white spot disease in freshwater fish.

Giovanni Salerno, Sundew’s CEO, said, “we are delighted to bring MicroSynbiotiX on board. This exciting technology and the additional funding strengthen Sundew’s long-term strategy. Sundew is building a portfolio of effective, affordable and environmentally benign biological products, delivering innovative solutions that meet major needs in important aquatic markets.”

MicroSynbiotiX co-founders, Simon Porphy and Antonio Lamb, will continue to support Sundew as scientific and technical advisors. “We are very excited to be part of Sundew,” Simon said. “The team’s strong track record in building ventures will allow us to fully realize the potential of our technology. Sundew has a great scientific team and a solid pipeline for new therapeutic products. We are very happy to be part of their vision to create effective and environmentally benign products for the aquatic animal health industry.”