MetaMorphix and Stirius form aquaculture breeding JV

Animal genetics firm MetaMorphix, Inc (MMI) and Stirius, Inc launched their jointly-formed AquaAnimal Health, Inc to develop aquaculture technologies to augment output and advance disease resistance in farmed marine animals like finfish and crustaceans.

AquaAnimal Health will use MMI's Myostatin technology to maintain and enhance fish and crustacean quality across all aquaculture breeding.

Myostatin is a natural protein and potent regulator of muscle growth in humans and animals, having been observed in over 40 species of fish and in profitable marine invertebrates such as shrimp, scallops and crab. Natural inhibition of this protein in finfish was recently shown to produce greater muscle protein and increase feed efficiency.

New products MyoAqua I and II are expected to lower feed consumption ratios while boosting aquaculture earnings.

MMI already sells test kits for meat quality and production efficiency traits validated on several hundred thousand commercial cattle. It is expected that MMI genomic technology will provide similar benefits in aquaculture.

AquaAnimal Health is now evaluating sites in South Carolina for the establishment of process development and aquaculture research laboratories.

MetaMorphix is a life sciences company that touts itself as dedicated to discovering and commercialising multiple technology platforms to improve human and animal health.

Stirius is located Ninety Six, South Carolina and was chartered in 1993 and supports emerging life science companies including biopharmaceuticals, animal genetics, agricultural biotechnology and biochemicals. The company assists in commercialisation and product development for emerging companies in the US and worldwide.