Aquit, a pioneering biotech startup based in Chile, is making waves in the aquaculture industry with its innovative approach to combatting infections in fish. Led by CEO Daniela Allerbon, the company is developing a preventative treatment that not only enhances natural immunity in fish but also reduces reliance on antibiotics.
The journey began with biotechnologists Jörn Bethke and Cristián Valenzuela, who dedicated 15 years to researching fish immunity in the lab. Recognizing the potential to trigger immunity using natural elements, they devised a method to extract key proteins from fish, replicate them outside the organism using gene-engineered microbes, and administer them to fish as a preventive treatment.
Supported by a grant from Microsoft Imagine Labs in 2017, Bethke and Valenzuela conducted successful trials on salmon, a cornerstone species in the Chilean aquaculture industry. Their product, an additive applied to feed pellets, showed promising results in enhancing immunity and improving survival rates.
The startup’s breakthrough caught the attention of the Global Aquaculture Challenge accelerator program in 2021, where Aquit won the sustainability prize. This accolade led to a partnership with GridX, a Buenos Aires-based company builder and funding incubator specializing in biotech.
Despite challenges posed by Covid travel restrictions, Allerbon, based in Argentina, joined forces with Bethke and Valenzuela in Chile. Their collaboration culminated in the incorporation of the company in the United States, marking the beginning of a transformative journey.
Aquit’s feed additive works by modulating the immune system in salmon, enhancing overall health without triggering inflammatory responses common in traditional immune boosters. By incorporating the protein into feed at mills, the company aims to seamlessly integrate its product into existing aquaculture practices.
Preliminary trials have yielded impressive results, with Aquit’s product demonstrating an 85% survival rate against Tenacibaculum, a prevalent threat in Chilean salmon farming. Additionally, the treatment showed a 50% survival rate against salmonid rickettsial septicaemia, a challenging intracellular bacteria.
Moving forward, Aquit plans to finalize product development, conduct pilot programs with Chilean partners, and expand operations to salmon producers in Norway, Canada, and Scotland. With ambitions to scale up production and promote sustainable aquaculture practices, the company stands poised to revolutionize the industry and reduce reliance on antibiotics