U.S – Probiotic biotherapeutics are leveraging the power of synthetic biology and genetic engineering to tackle Clostridium perfringens, a bacterium responsible for necrotic enteritis in poultry.
General Probiotics and AgThera, led by founder and CEO Yiannis Kaznessis, are at the forefront of this cutting-edge technology, demonstrating remarkable success in preventing and controlling the potentially devastating infection.
Necrotic enteritis, caused by the bacterium C. perfringens, poses a significant threat to poultry, leading to acute infections and severe intestinal damage. The unique approach of probiotic biotherapeutics involves utilizing genetically engineered organisms to combat the bacterium, a technique once deemed science fiction.
“The results we’re seeing with our organism are fairly strong, and that’s the power of genetic engineering,” Kaznessis stated, highlighting the rapid advancements in the field that were once unimaginable.
The live therapeutic administered to poultry exhibited a remarkable 40-70% decrease in mortality caused by C. perfringens in animal tests, as well as improved feed conversion ratios, further enhancing the birds’ overall health and performance.
The success of this innovative approach has garnered significant attention and will be a focal point of discussion at the upcoming 2023 Poultry Tech Summit.
The summit, taking place at the Hilton Atlanta Airport in Atlanta, Georgia, from November 6-8, will delve into the development and testing of the recombinant antimicrobial live therapeutic, showcasing its potential in revolutionizing poultry industry practices.
As General Probiotics seeks FDA approval for its biotherapeutic, the company has secured categorical exclusion claims and food use authorization from the Center for Veterinary Medicine.
The regulatory process has been rigorous, but Kaznessis emphasizes that ensuring the safety profile of genetically modified organisms is paramount. Over the past three years, the team has been working closely with the FDA, showcasing the safety and efficacy of their groundbreaking technology.
Having a dedicated and skilled team is crucial to navigating the complex regulatory landscape, from discovery to development and commercialization.
“You need to have a core team that will take you through what is a challenging process,” Kaznessis emphasized, underlining the importance of expertise and perseverance in bringing innovative technologies to market.
As the poultry industry faces ongoing challenges in maintaining animal health and safety, probiotic biotherapeutics offer a promising solution to combat C. perfringens and its associated risks.
The fusion of genetic engineering and synthetic biology is revolutionizing the fight against infections, marking a significant step forward in safeguarding poultry populations worldwide.
With the Poultry Tech Summit on the horizon, industry experts and stakeholders eagerly await further insights into the potential of this groundbreaking technology.
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