Key Takeaways
- Micropep’s peptide biofungicide Promisin aims for commercial launch after regulatory submissions in the US and EU, following earlier submissions in Brazil and Paraguay.
- Promisin helps combat fungal resistance by disrupting cell membranes, making it less likely for pathogens to evolve resistance.
- The company is preparing for product launches in key agricultural markets, focusing on crops like soybeans, grapes, and potatoes.
Progress in Biofungicide Development
France- and US-based ag biotech company Micropep is making significant strides toward commercializing its peptide-based biofungicide, Promisin. Recent regulatory submissions to authorities in the United States and the European Union indicate the company’s readiness to enter commercial markets. These submissions follow earlier filings in Paraguay and Brazil, showcasing Micropep’s commitment to moving Promisin forward, according to Dr. Kevin Leiner, the company’s VP of regulatory affairs.
Promisin is the flagship product from Micropep’s innovative Krisalix discovery platform, which leverages artificial intelligence, computational biology, and formulation science to identify optimal micro-peptide sequences for crop protection. This latest regulatory milestone reflects Micropep’s evolution from a research-focused organization to one poised for commercial engagement.
Combating Fungicide Resistance
Promisin employs a unique mechanism to combat fungal diseases in crops, designed to work alongside traditional fungicides rather than replace them. Dr. Leiner emphasizes its effectiveness in managing fungicide resistance, a growing issue since the 1970s, due to the tendency of conventional fungicides to target specific metabolic pathways. Such specificity often leads to reduced efficacy when a fungus acquires a mutation.
In contrast, Promisin operates by disrupting cell membranes, making it substantially more challenging for organisms to develop resistance. This mode of action allows Promisin to integrate seamlessly with existing pest management strategies, enabling farmers to apply multiple approaches simultaneously and potentially reducing the risk of resistant strains developing.
Field trials globally have demonstrated Promisin’s strong efficacy, coupled with a favorable safety and sustainability profile. Issues regarding non-target organisms, human safety, and environmental persistence are minimal compared to traditional pesticides. This positions Promisin as a promising alternative for modern agricultural practices.
Commercialization Plans
Since joining Micropep a few years ago, Dr. Leiner has witnessed the company’s transition into a serious contender in the biopesticide field. The latest round of regulatory submissions marks a pivotal point, signaling the completion of development for initial crops and the onset of the pre-commercial phase.
For markets in Paraguay and Brazil, Micropep will concentrate on crops such as soybeans, which are vital exports, alongside addressing prevalent issues like Asian soybean rust and other leaf diseases. In the United States, the focus will extend to row crops, including potatoes and grapevines, while European efforts will primarily center around these latter crops.
With the recent appointment of CEO Georg Goeres, a former head of the biologicals unit at Indigo Ag, Micropep aims to entrench itself in the commercialization landscape. The timelines for regulatory evaluations differ, with Brazil expected to grant approvals in about 18 months compared to the longer processes seen in the European Union.
In preparation for these product launches, Micropep is laying the groundwork by establishing a robust supply chain and forming distribution partnerships to ensure a smooth entry into the market once required authorizations are granted. Looking forward, the company plans to continue developing fungicides while also exploring new peptides with potential applications in herbicides and insecticides.
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