Although companies based outside the U.S. have tested and, in some cases, sold basic anti-viral vaccines to aquaculture producers, practicing veterinarians and virologists have been unimpressed by their extremely limited effectiveness (J. Mullins, pers. comm. 2002; J. Winton, pers. comm. 2004). The consensus is that new approaches are urgently needed to develop viral vaccines that do not rely on DNA technology. ProFishent will apply advances in nanotechnology to the design and construction of efficacious immersion and injection vaccines to prevent mortalities from viruses and, potentially, other intracellular pathogens. Proprietary nanoparticles will be combined with model viruses (ISAV and IHNV) to create potent immunostimulatory complexes. Vaccine prototypes will be optimized and compared to traditional formulations for their ability to stimulate immunity and to protect rainbow trout and Atlantic salmon from laboratory challenges with live pathogens. Fluorescent, antigen-coated particles will also be used to observe the effect of size on uptake and transport by the immune system.
Potential Commercial Applications: Commercialization of this research in Phase 3 will result in a new platform technology using nontoxic nanoparticle products that will be applicable to both fresh-water and marine aquatic species. The vaccines will be compatible with biological recirculation filter systems. It should be possible to vaccinate and raise a variety of aquatic species previously thought to be too susceptible to pathogens. Unlike DNA vaccines, this family of products will not raise any objections from consumers concerned about genetically modified organisms, nor will it face formidable hurdles by regulatory authorities
