Media Contact: Deb Gretillat
(641) 424-4798
For Release on September 23, 2024
NutriQuest and Modulant Biosciences Announce Partnership to
Advance Crucial PRRSv and Swine Disease Research
Mason City, Iowa, Sept. 23, 2024 - NutriQuest, a leading provider of nutrition and
business consulting, research, and product development for the swine, poultry, and
dairy industries, has partnered with Modulant Biosciences to develop a
breakthrough technology for control of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory
Syndrome (PRRSv) and other swine diseases.
Modulant Biosciences, an Indiana-based biotechnology company, has discovered a
small molecule capable of combating the PRRSv virus. The partnership will
accelerate the development of this promising drug candidate.
PRRSv costs the U.S. pork industry approximately $1.2 billion annually, according to a
recent Iowa State University analysis. Despite countless industry attempts at
interventions, the disease has remained a significant challenge for swine producers
since the mid-1980s.
“Our research partnership with NutriQuest will enable us to evaluate the best
molecule for treating pigs with PRRSv and give the swine industry a long-awaited
tool for controlling the disease,” states Modulant Biosciences CEO, Dr. Tom Campi.
The partnership will also drive research into treatments for Porcine Epidemic
Diarrhea virus (PEDv) and Swine Influenza virus (SIV), and potential applications for
poultry and ruminants.
“I am excited about this opportunity for NutriQuest on two important levels,”
indicated NutriQuest CEO Steve Weiss. “This partnership not only addresses critical
challenges facing producers but also expands the NutriQuest capabilities in
regulated drug technology development, paving the way for future high-impact
innovations in this space.”
Modulant Biosciences treats diseases by focusing on host cell processes required for
viral replication or involvement in chronic diseases. This novel approach will provide
the animal health industry cost-effective therapies to treat or prevent important
diseases that are not currently well controlled with existing technologies.
“Our innovation team is eager to advance the work started by Modulant Biosciences,”
shares Dr. Kim Friesen, President of NutriQuest. “Their innovative approach to
antiviral drug development combined with our research and development expertise
presents an unprecedented opportunity to make significant impacts on swine
health.”
The disease research and product development partnership between NutriQuest
and Modulant Biosciences begins immediately, with co-aligned efforts initially
focused onPRRSv disease treatment.
About NutriQuest: NutriQuest is a team of industry-leading animal experts serving
animal producers by delivering targeted breakthrough solutions aimed at improving
profitability and meeting important industry needs. Their team of experts and
services can be found at www.nutriquest.com.
About Modulant Biosciences: Modulant Biosciences is an Indiana-based
biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of first-in-class
antiviral and anticancer drugs for livestock and companion animals.
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Dave Roepke, Iowa State University News Service, July 30, 2024