Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (ICH) is a protozoan parasite infecting both aquacultured freshwater fish and ornamental fish worldwide. The parasite is the causative agent of ichthyophthiriasis, also called white spot disease, inducing high morbidity and mortality in fish. It is an economical problem for the ornamental fish industry as well as for the production fish industry and may challenge sustainable fish production.
ParaFishControl partners (KNAW and KU) have found that a bacterial biosurfactant isolated from Pseudomonas (strain H6) has a strong in vitro antiparasitic effect on the fish pathogenic ciliate Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (ICH). Rainbow trout fingerlings exposed to the biosurfactant showed no adverse immediate or late signs following several hours incubation in concentrations effective for killing the parasite.
A new company, Sundew, has been founded to further develop and commercialise the compound. The Copenhagen-based SME will facilitate the development of large-scale production and purification of the product, which it has named BIOKOS.
Addressing target audiences and expressing needs
- Marketing Mentoring or Coaching
- Investor introductions
- Business plan development
- Expanding to more markets /finding new customers
- Business Angels
- Venture Capital
- Crowd-funding Equity
- Other type of Investment
Fish farmers and aquarium owners as customers for this new alternative treatment against ichthyophthiriasis (white spot disease). We are also looking for private or public investment to further test the product and bring it to market.
- Other Actors who can help us fulfil our market potential
- Private Investors
R&D, Technology and Innovation aspects
All tests have demonstrated the efficacy to kill the parasite in vitro, more tests are necessary to check the efficacy of the product in vivo and to bring it to a commercial stage.
The patent has been submitted and we expect the approval soon. Sundew is in the final stages of acquiring the license for exploiting the patent.
