DuPont Animal Nutrition to Partner with Proteon Pharma

The partnership will bring the emerging bacteriophage technology to poultry producers, helping to mitigate antimicrobial resistance

DuPont Animal Nutrition, a business unit of DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences (DuPont), today announced a partnership with Proteon Pharmaceuticals to bring the emerging bacteriophage technology to poultry producers in selected countries, strengthening DuPont’s gut health solutions for poultry and helping to further mitigate antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

The threat of antimicrobial resistance sparked recent investment into bacteriophage technologies. Modern analytics and omics technologies have enabled screening and identification of bacteriophage candidates for a specific bacterial challenge, with significant feed and food safety implications. This emerging technology is already used in the animal food industry.

DuPont invited Proteon Pharmaceuticals to partner for their compatible work culture, solid scientific approach and leading position amongst their peers in bringing phage technology to market.

Poultry farmers in selected markets are already benefiting from using Proteon’s technology to ensure biosecurity via the waterline and to improve production efficiency.

“Proteon Pharmaceuticals is a pioneer in bacteriophage technology used in animal farming. They have been developing this technology for more than 10 years. It has been tested in Europe and Asia and proven in terms of efficacy and stability,” said Aart Mateboer, business leader, DuPont Animal Nutrition. “This technology fits with our nutribiotic approach. We are pleased to add it to our range of solutions for poultry producers.”

“We strongly believe that our technology might be considered as the future of animal health and nutrition and will help to reduce antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance.” said Jarosław Dastych, CEO, Proteon Pharmaceuticals. “We are excited to take this next step with DuPont to bring the benefits of bacteriophage technology as a feed additive to poultry producers globally.”

DuPont Animal Nutrition is a market leader in nutritional health solutions with a comprehensive portfolio of feed enzymes, betaine, phytogenics and probiotics. Through the lens of nutribiosis, DuPont invests in science and innovation to help producers improve performance, increase liveability and support welfare in the face of increasing pressure to reduce or remove antibiotics from production systems. DuPont Animal Nutrition capabilities are underpinned by the quality and quantity of our trials, our investments in omics technologies and microbiome research, and collaboration with leading commercial, governmental and academic partners.

About DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences

DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences applies expert science to advance market-driven, healthy and sustainable solutions for the food, beverage, dietary supplement and pharmaceutical industries. We also use cutting-edge biotechnology across a range of markets to advance bio-based solutions to meet the needs of a growing population, while protecting our environment for future generations. We are innovative solvers who help our customers turn challenges into high-value business opportunities.

About DuPont

DuPont (NYSE: DD) is a global innovation leader with technology-based materials, ingredients and solutions that help transform industries and everyday life. Our employees apply diverse science and expertise to help customers advance their best ideas and deliver essential innovations in key markets including electronics, transportation, construction, water, health and wellness, food, and worker safety.

About Proteon Pharmaceuticals

Proteon Pharmaceuticals S.A. is a leader in bacteriophage (phage) technology for livestock farming. Proteon’s products modulate the microbiome, enhancing sustainability and improving performance on the farm. We have created a precision phage development platform that uses omics technologies, molecular biology, bioinformatics and artificial intelligence (AI) to create effective, reliable and safe antibacterial solutions for animal health. Proteon was the first company to develop precision bacteriophage-based feed additives to manage bacterial challenges in poultry.

Phages are the most numerous and oldest organisms on the planet. They are organic, natural and omnipresent in the environment. A critical part of the global microbiome, phages naturally protect animals and humans from bacteria.