Peptide-based product targets aphids and whiteflies as company reports positive field results under heavy pest pressure

By Janet Kanters

SOLASTA Bio has submitted its first bioinsecticide product for registration in the United States, advancing its efforts to bring peptide-based insect control technology to market.

The Glasgow, UK-based company has submitted regulatory packages for its lead peptide active ingredient and first end-use product to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR). The product is designed to control aphids and whiteflies, with the initial registration focused on aphid control in leafy greens and vegetable crops.

The EPA has classified the active ingredient as a biochemical, providing a faster and less costly regulatory pathway than the one required for conventional insecticides.

SOLASTA Bio’s peptide technology is designed to target specific insect pests while minimizing impacts on bees, other beneficial insects and the environment. The company’s lead active ingredient is a nature-identical peptide that has demonstrated consistent efficacy against aphids across multiple crops in greenhouse and field trials.

According to the company, testing has also shown no impact on beneficial species or plant health. The active ingredient does not bioaccumulate and has a favourable environmental safety profile.

SOLASTA is also seeking recognition from the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC) for its technology as a new mode of action. If recognized, this could give growers another option for rotating insecticides and managing resistance in pest populations.

The regulatory submissions come as growers face increasing challenges from aphids and whiteflies, including resistance to existing insecticides and tighter restrictions on conventional crop protection products.

Field demonstrations show promise

The regulatory milestone coincides with field demonstrations hosted by SOLASTA Bio in Georgia, U.S., in early October. The event brought together investors and partners to evaluate the company’s lead aphid product, along with other peptides targeting whiteflies and caterpillar pests (Lepidoptera) across different crops.

The demonstrations took place during an unusually severe whitefly outbreak, with local populations reportedly reaching levels not seen in more than a decade.

Despite the heavy pest pressure, treated plots showed visible reductions in leaf-feeding damage and improvements in plant vigour, health and overall appearance, the company reported. Visitors were able to compare treated and untreated plots in the field.

“Submitting our first product for registration in the U.S. is a defining moment for SOLASTA Bio in building the regulatory and commercial framework that will put our peptide solutions into the hands of growers,” said Shireen Davies, CEO and co-founder of SOLASTA Bio.

She said the field demonstrations provided an opportunity for investors and partners to see the technology perform under challenging conditions.

“To then show our investors and partners that performance in the field, under whitefly pressure not seen locally in over a decade, was really powerful,” Davies said. She added that the results were consistent with trial data generated across crops and growing regions.

Davies said the company has a growing pipeline of peptide products following its lead candidate and is positioning itself for commercialization.

SOLASTA Bio’s progress builds on a growing portfolio of patents in the U.S., Europe and other markets, as well as a $14-million Series A financing round in 2024. The oversubscribed round included agricultural investors Forbion BioEconomy Fund, Corteva Catalyst and FMC Ventures.

The company cautions that registration timing and outcomes remain subject to regulatory review. Its products are not currently available for purchase in any country.

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