Intralytix Receives USDA, NIFA Phase II SBIR Grant To Develop A Phage-Based Application To Protect Hatchery-Raised Oysters From The Bacterial Pathogens Vibrio tubiashii and Vibrio coralliilyticus
Baltimore, Maryland U.S.A. - March 8, 2016. Intralytix, Inc., announced today that the company has received a SBIR Phase II grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), to develop a bacteriophage (or phage) cocktail effective against the larval shellfish pathogens Vibrio tubiashii and Vibrio coralliilyticus. This research will be a continuation of collaborative efforts between Intralytix and Dr. Gary Richards, the Lead Scientist at the USDA, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) laboratory in Dover, Delaware, where these phages were originally isolated and characterized. A spokesperson for the company noted that, in developing this proposed technology, Intralytix will be working closely with Dr. Chris Langdon at the Hatfield Marine Station, Oregon State University, in Newport, Oregon, and Dr. Claudia Hӓse at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, in Corvallis, Oregon. In addition, the company will receive continuing research support from Dr. Richards' group at the ARS USDA.
"We are pleased to have assembled such a distinguished team of aquaculture-focused scientists to work with Intralytix on this project" announced Dr. Alexander Sulakvelidze, Intralytix's Chief Scientist and principal investigator of the SBIR grant. "Our goal will be to develop an all natural product that can eliminate or significantly reduce larval shellfish mortality caused by these pathogens." Dr. Sulakvelidze also noted that V. tubiashii and V. coralliilyticus are responsible for periodic but severe outbreaks of larval disease in oyster hatcheries, with mortalities exceeding 59%.
"We view this grant as an important first step in developing a series of phage-based natural products for the aquaculture industry," stated John Woloszyn, Intralytix's CEO. "V. tubiashii and V. coralliilyticus are major causes of larval shellfish mortality, which results in increased costs to the aquaculture industry and consumer. Therefore, our phage preparation could have a very significant impact on reducing larval mortalities in hatcheries and on reducing the cost of producing and buying oysters. We are confident of success that will result in a bi-coastal benefit to both oystermen and oyster lovers."
Intralytix has already introduced three phage-based food safety products approved by U.S. regulatory authorities. ListShield™, EcoShield™ and SalmoFresh™ are the company's current commercial offerings effective against Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella spp., respectively. In the seafood industry, the company's ListShield™ has become very popular among smoked salmon processors because of its efficacy in substantially reducing or eliminating L. monocytogenes.
Intralytix, Inc. is a world leader in bacteriophage technology, using its core technology platform to improve human health through the development and commercialization of innovative products for food safety, veterinary applications, human therapeutics, and dietary supplements/probiotics.
For more information, contact John Woloszyn (410-625-0300 / jwoloszyn@intralytix.com) or Dr. Alexander Sulakvelidze (410-625-2533 / asulakvelidze@intralytix.com).