Proteon is moving into ‘another phase of research’

Proteon Pharmaceuticals is working on the next phage-based candidates in its pipeline.

With 18 years of experience in phage technology, Proteon claims to be a leader in providing bacteriophage technological solutions with a focus on continuous improvement. The company’s mission is to prevent bacterial diseases in livestock, as well as improve production outcomes and animal welfare. At the same time, the business aims to reduce the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the environment.

The Polish business produces bacteriophage-based feed additives. It has several products commercially available in Asia for poultry and aquaculture.

Justyna Andrysiak, the company’s chief product and technology officer, shared insights on how the company intends to drive phage research forward in the coming years. Ms Andrysiak said Proteon is close to starting proof-of-concept studies for several assets in its pipeline with a focus on products for pigs, shrimp and cattle. She noted Proteon is working on phages to target the reduction of methane emissions and treatment of mastitis in dairy cows – she noted the latter is in advanced stages of development.

At the recent Animal Health, Nutrition and Technology Innovation USA conference in Boston, Ms Andrysiak told S&P Global Animal Health the company is also scaling up its manufacturing of existing products. Proteon started its commercial roll-out in Asia and is now targeting Latin America. It will then turn its attention in registering Bafasal – its feed additive for poultry containing bacteriophages specific to Salmonella – as being Generally Recognized as Safe in the US in 2025. The business is also looking to harness more local distributors to extend its revenues.

While sales of the firm’s phages are increasing in Asia, Ms Andrysiak noted the market’s primary focus is on productivity rather than food safety. As a result, Proteon is registering its phages in Latin America, which is a significant global exporter of meat and protein. Simultaneously, the company is developing targeted products for the Asian market, such as phages for shrimp health.

Ms Andrysiak said the company possesses a unique technological platform, several international patents and modern laboratories. Last year, the company established the Center for Bacteriophage Biotechnology in Poland. Additionally, the company has production facilities in both Poland and India, with the latter opening earlier this year and boasting a production capacity of 20,000 liters per month. The firm believes the combination of advanced scientific disciplines with modern research equipment and manufacture facilities “enables the creation of innovative solutions”. Proteon is currently in the process of fundraising, seeking investors for an extension of its series A round.

Ms Andrysiak added: “The emergence of other phage companies reinforces our belief that phages represent the future of animal health and will become a distinct product category. We are hopeful for the success of every company in this field. While we recognize the need for widespread commercial success of phages, we also believe our experience, technology and knowledge set us apart from the smaller, early-stage companies.”