Simris Group CEO Dr Alexis Roberts-McIntosh commented "I am delighted that these world-class research institutes have approached us to collaborate, clearly recognising Simris Biologics GmbH unique capability to support this critical research project. It further recognises Simris as a global expert in the genetic engineering of cyanobacteria and highlights the value of our library of 1,200 cyanobacterial producer strains. The team in Berlin are ideally placed to optimise cyanobacteria strains for the production of important PDC payloads. The first phase will evaluate the effectiveness of the technology in a controlled laboratory environment via specific in-vitro and in-vivo studies. If successful, a second phase of the programme will evaluate the effectiveness of a broader application in a controlled wild-environment. Through our involvement in this research programme, Simris is well placed to support the potential commercialisation of the developed technology through the supply and sale of the Simris cytotoxic payload.”

Peptide drug conjugates (PDCs) are composed of 3 parts: a specific peptide carrier, a linker and a cytotoxic payload. Overall, PDCs are hypothesized to become internalized in the targeted cells responsible for the control of fertility. After internalisation via membrane receptors (that function like a lock and key) the cytotoxic payload induces apoptosis (cell death) and thereby impedes reproductive capacity without harming the non-native animal.

The global pest control market was valued at USD 22.9 Billion in 2022 and is projected to reach a value of USD 33.3 Billion by 2030 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 5.5% between 2023 and 2030. (A. Hancock, Vantage Market Research, Pest Control Market Size and Trend Analysis Report, Linkedin, 14th February, 2024).

Researchers Prof Greg Anderson, Dr Caroline Decourt and Associate Prof Arlene McDowell (University of Otago, New Zealand) and Dr Regan Anderson (The Ferrier Institute at Victoria University of Wellington) are aiming to develop these PDC's as a new strategy to eradicate introduced pest mammals which put native plants and animals at risk.

This research initiative has been motivated by a rapid decline in New Zealand’s biodiversity, largely driven by introduced (ie non-native) mammalian species including possums, rats, stoats, ferrets, rabbits, and wallabies each of which have a taste for New Zealand’s plants and birdlife. Current eradication strategies such as trapping and using poisons have many disadvantages including animal welfare concerns, lack of specificity, high cost, and not being feasible in all locations.

This programme will aim to develop a single-application PDC bait which will selectively target only the fertility-controlling cells in the non-native mammals, locking onto a specific receptor type on these cells before releasing its cytotoxic payload. These receptors do not exist in non-mammalian species, such as birds, rendering them safe for the native animals. By simply inactivating the reproductive system of pest animals, their spread and population growth can be controlled without the need to kill or trap or make them suffer in any way.

The Simris toxins supplied for this collaboration were provided on commercial terms, for an undisclosed value that is not deemed material to annual revenue.