Folium Science pioneers antibiotic alternative that targets specific bacteria in livestock animals

Bristol-based Folium Science has developed a pioneering gene editing system that can target specific bacteria and replace antibiotics and chemicals in livestock farming.

The company’s CRISPR-Cas system, Guided Biotics?, can be used to kill undesirable bacteria by degrading their DNA at specific locations; thereby inactivating or eliminating the targeted pathogen.

“Conventional approaches to addressing bacterial infections kill microbes indiscriminately and contribute to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR),” says Edward Fuchs, CEO, Folium Science.

AMR is one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity, according to the WHO, due to the potential emergence of new drug-resistant “super bugs” that are not treatable with existing antimicrobial medicines such as antibiotics.

“Our solution will reduce reliance on antibiotics and can be adjusted to achieve various other outcomes.

“For instance, we can target infections like Salmonella or E.coli, but also decrease the level of gastric emissions produced by farmed animals, thereby reducing their environmental impact.”

“As global demand for meat continues to rise, it’s important that we both maximise agricultural productivity by targeting infections effectively and minimise the industry’s environmental impact by reducing gastric emissions.”

Regulators in Brazil have approved the use of Folium’s technologies and the company is now working with regulators in Thailand, the United States and the UK.

In 2020, Folium secured an Innovate UK grant to develop a proof of concept for a product that targets plant pathogens, and began working with Innovation and Growth Specialist, James Lloyd.

“We needed some support to assess the market opportunity for this technology and to review our messaging and pitch strategy,” says Edward.

James introduced Research Specialist, Jill Blackie, to provide commercial analysis and map out key strategic market entry points, timelines, options, and actions.

“That was a really important sense check for us,” says Edward, “it ensured that our knowledge was as good as what was publicly available and that we had a clear route to market.”

Business Strategy Specialist, Jeremy Davies, was next introduced to help Folium refine its new product pitch.

“Jeremy really helped kick the tires on our pitch – he made sure we had all bases covered and that we were delivering it in the right way for the right audiences.”

“On top of that, our Innovation and Growth Specialist, James, has had his ear to the ground for relevant opportunities that we just don’t have time to research ourselves. For instance, he pointed us in the direction of a DEFRA grant that we were subsequently successful in.”

Folium Science will next join Innovate UK’s Scale Up programme, which helps the highest potential businesses realise their ambitions.

Innovate UK EDGE will continue to support as this Bristol business helps tackle some of our most pressing health, environment and food safety challenges.

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