Shrimp are now among the many food sources being explored with mRNA gene therapy techniques. An enterprise from Israel is pioneering the introduction of mRNA vaccines for shrimp cultivation and has successfully garnered $8.25 million in investments from venture capitalists. Their aim is to enhance marine animal health using their unique orally dispensed RNA-particle system.
ViAqua, the biotech firm in question, has developed an RNA vaccine that employs RNA interference (RNAi) to adjust gene activity in shrimp. This RNAi method involves using RNA molecules to suppress or modify the activity of specific target mRNA molecules.
This vaccine is provided as a specially coated feed additive aimed at increasing resilience against the white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). This particular virus results in annual losses approximated at $3 billion, coupled with a 15% drop in global shrimp yield. ViAqua indicates that by feeding their coated product, RNA molecules can counteract the genes responsible for illnesses. Preliminary studies from 2022 have shown that this nanovaccine has an efficacy rate of about 80% against a severe WSSV challenge and has showcased promising safety standards in live trials. However, the implications of modifying shrimp gene activity and the consequences of consuming such shrimp remain uncertain.
Shai Ufaz, ViAqua’s CEO, mentioned in a statement that “Using oral delivery methods is viewed as the ultimate advancement in aquaculture health due to the impracticality of individually vaccinating shrimp. This method can significantly reduce the costs associated with disease management while enhancing results. We’re eager to introduce this innovative solution to the market, addressing the demand for cost-effective disease treatments in aquaculture.”
ViAqua is set to commence production in India by 2024 and envisions that their technology will have a wide range of applications, not just in aquaculture, as indicated in their announcement.
In related news, mRNA vaccines have also found their way into the pork industry. Genvax Technologies, another startup focusing on animal mRNA vaccines, received a $6.5 million investment in 2022. They are working on a self-propagating mRNA (saRNA) system designed to swiftly create vaccines tailored entirely to the specific disease-causing variant within a herd or flock.
Genvax’s approach utilizes the insertion of a specific transgene, tailored to the variant strain, into their platform. This saRNA then elicits an antibody response without the need to match the entire pathogen to the circulating variant.
In April 2022, the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research granted Genvax $145,000 to collaborate with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to formulate an saRNA vaccine for African swine flu (ASF). This highly infectious disease has a total fatality rate for pigs, though it hasn’t been reported in the U.S.
A 2022 eClinicalMedicine article described how saRNA tech utilizes lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to house saRNA. Once the vaccine is administered, the LNP shell assists the uptake and release into the target cells’ cytoplasm in the body. This innovative approach has unexplored yet considerable potential in medicine and vaccines.
Before Genvax, Merck introduced RNA technology in pigs in 2018 with SEQUIVITY, a groundbreaking vaccine system. This technology leverages electronic gene sequencing to produce RNA particles, which when introduced to an animal, guide immune cells to produce proteins acting as antigens. This mirrors the mechanism of the COVID-19 vaccine triggering spike protein production. With this technology, Merck claims to create a custom swine flu vaccine within 8-12 weeks, significantly shorter than traditional vaccine development.
However, research about the implications of consuming meat from vaccinated pigs remains limited.
Regarding mRNA vaccines in cattle, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association mentions they aren’t yet approved in the U.S. However, the non-profit group R-CALF USA expresses concerns over their use. In 2023, they held discussions with professionals regarding mRNA injections in the global protein supply. Veterinarian Max Thornsberry shared that certain researchers believe humans might intake mRNA and its encoded virus from consuming dairy or meat from vaccinated animals.
Thornsberry emphasized the need for in-depth research regarding the potential effects and stressed the importance of mandatory country of origin labeling. R-CALF USA advocates for consumers to know the origin of their beef, especially regarding countries using mRNA technology in cattle.
Bill Bullard, R-CALF USA’s CEO, stated that their organization faced criticism for its stance. He highlighted a research project at Iowa State University, aiming to test a cattle mRNA vaccine system for bovine respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), suggesting the goal might be to gain approval for mRNA vaccines in U.S. cattle.
Bullard urged caution and emphasized the importance of transparency from pharmaceutical companies and government entities. He highlighted R-CALF’s commitment to divulge varied scientific insights, seek comprehensive research on mRNA vaccines, and demand more clarity from stakeholders.
R-CALF believes consumers should be informed if their meat comes from mRNA-vaccinated animals. Consequently, several states, including Tennessee, Idaho, Arizona, Texas, and Missouri, are considering legislation mandating the labeling of products from animals treated with mRNA vaccines.