December 18, 2020

US firm collaborates with Irish research institute on antibiotic alternative to mastitis

APC Microbiome Ireland, headquartered at University College Cork, will partner with ImmuCell Corporation to develop natural antimicrobials (bacteriocins) for the treatment and prevention of mastitis, Food Ingredients First reported.

Microbiome and animal health is a strategic area of research for APC Microbiome Ireland, the largest and oldest microbiome research institute globally. 

The APC has developed numerous fermentation end-products, including antimicrobials, over the past 20 years. These include Thuricin CD, Formicin (featured on an Irish stamp), Lacticin and Nisin J, a new antimicrobial produced from staphylococcal bacteria found on human skin. In 2018, the APC was ranked first in the world by CWTS in Leiden as measured by publication citations in the area of antimicrobials. 

APC's capabilities and intellectual property relevant to animal health include patented microbiome-derived solutions for bovine mastitis and knowledge of bioengineering antimicrobial peptides for increased efficacy.  

Bovine mastitis is regarded as one of the most economically damaging diseases in the dairy industry globally, and its prevalence is growing globally. It is estimated that economic losses alone in the US total US$2 billion annually.

"There is an urgent need for alternatives to antibiotics, particularly in the field of animal healthcare where there is a major dependence," says Professor Paul Ross, APC Director, who is co-leading the project.

APC Microbiome Ireland is delighted to be embarking on this exciting project with the knowledge-based company Immucell that will see the development of natural antimicrobials (bacteriocins) for the treatment and prevention of mastitis - the most persistent disease of dairy cows."

"Utilising our proprietary Nisin production strain, APC plans to apply its technology to enhance our nisin production and activity in targeted ways, as a second-generation mastitis product," adds Michael F. Brigham, president and CEO. "We are thankful to enter into this forward-looking collaboration with APC, as we work to complete the FDA regulatory development process for Re-Tain and approach market launch."