ViAqua

ViAqua Therapeutics is a biotechnology company that has developed an orally administered RNA-particle platform to improve disease resistance in aquaculture. Founded in 2014 and based in Haifa, Israel, ViAqua focuses on creating RNA-based solutions to combat major viral diseases affecting global shrimp aquaculture. The company's technology uses a proprietary double-strand RNA (dsRNA) particle encapsulation that triggers an anti-viral RNAi response in shrimp cells to fight and suppress diseases. ViAqua's first product is a feed supplement designed to enhance resistance to viral infections in shrimp, with the initial application targeting White Spot Virus (WSSV). This virus causes annual losses of around USD 3 billion and a 15% reduction in global shrimp production. The company's solution aims to provide production stability for farmers while also creating an opportunity to increase output per farm without increased risk.

ViAqua produces its capsule products using commercial, industrial processes and is scaling up production to take its first product to market. The company plans to begin production in India in early 2024. While currently focused on shrimp production, ViAqua's delivery technology has potential applications in other areas of aquaculture and beyond. The company has already initiated proof of concept for parasitic diseases in shrimp and is working to develop a formulation for fish, including a joint project targeting Scale-Drop Disease Virus (SDDV) in Barramundi. Additionally, ViAqua sees potential for its RNAi technology in poultry and against diseases that affect pollinating bees.

Key customers and partnerships

ViAqua has established a commercial partnership through a joint development and marketing agreement with Skretting, a Nutreco company, to bring its product to market. This collaboration, which began in 2018, aims to develop a functional feed product for the aquaculture market. The partnership leverages Skretting's expertise in aquafeed and its global reach in shrimp markets to effectively deliver ViAqua's solution to farmers.