Key Takeaways
- Oerth Bio has published peer-reviewed research in Nature Communications Biology demonstrating the use of PROTAC (Proteolysis-Targeting Chimera) technology in an agricultural setting.
- The study showcases the potential of targeted protein degradation to selectively affect insect proteins, supporting the development of sustainable crop protection solutions.
- The publication represents a milestone in validating Oerth Bio’s proprietary platform as a scalable approach for agricultural innovation.
- Conducted in collaboration with Bayer, the research explores new avenues for crop resilience and pest control.
- The work aligns with broader goals of improving precision, sustainability, and resistance management in agriculture.
Oerth Bio Publishes Study on PROTACs for Agriculture
Oerth Bio has announced the publication of a peer-reviewed study in Nature Communications Biology that demonstrates the application of PROTAC technology to agriculture. The study, available at Nature Communications Biology, is one of the first to show how targeted protein degradation can be used to selectively affect pest proteins, providing a basis for new types of crop protection tools.
“This publication represents the culmination of years of foundational science at Oerth and a major validation of our ability to design protein degraders with a high level of precision,” said Dr. Robert Cicchillo, Chief Scientific Officer at Oerth Bio.
PROTACs as a New Tool in Crop Protection
Originally developed for human health applications, PROTACs function by directing unwanted proteins to the cell’s natural degradation system. In this study, Oerth Bio applied the technology to insect models, illustrating the potential for targeted pest control strategies that minimize non-target effects and environmental impact.
The research points to the potential use of this technology to address issues such as pesticide resistance, the need for selective action, and growing demands for sustainable agricultural practices.
Bayer Collaboration and Future Development
The study was conducted in collaboration with Bayer, with support from its investment arm, Leaps by Bayer. According to Bayer, the research supports its mission to promote innovation in agriculture.
“Oerth Bio’s work demonstrates how cutting-edge biotechnology platforms can be reimagined to solve some of agriculture’s most urgent challenges,” said Dr. Juergen Eckhardt, Head of Leaps by Bayer.
Oerth Bio is the first company to adapt PROTACs for use in agriculture, aiming to develop products that can be integrated into existing crop production systems while offering new modes of action.
Next Steps in Oerth Bio’s Development Pipeline
The company plans to continue advancing its proprietary platform and explore additional applications for protein degradation in plant and pest systems. While still in early stages, this research supports the potential for selective, environmentally considerate crop protection products that address current and emerging agricultural challenges.
