Question 1

1.	What is RNA?

Accepted Answer

RNA is like a messenger inside our cells that carries instructions from our DNA, telling the cell how to make proteins. It's similar to a recipe book that guides the cell in creating the things it needs to function.

Question 2

2.	How does RNAi work?

Accepted Answer

RNA interference (RNAi) is a way our cells protect themselves by silencing specific genes. When a cell detects unwanted or harmful RNA, like from a virus, it uses RNAi to break it down, stopping it from making harmful proteins. It's like a security system that targets and removes the troublemakers in the cell.

RNAi works by using double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) to silence specific genes in a cell. When dsRNA is introduced into a cell, it is recognized and processed by an enzyme called Dicer, which cuts the dsRNA into smaller pieces called small interfering RNA (siRNA). These siRNA molecules then bind to the matching messenger RNA (mRNA) that corresponds to the gene to be silenced. This binding causes the mRNA to be degraded, preventing it from being used to make the harmful protein. In this way, RNAi is a targeted mechanism to turn off specific genes and stop unwanted proteins from being produced.

Question 3

3.	How is it produced?

Accepted Answer

dsRNA, the active molecule that triggers the RNAi mechanism, is produced at ViAqua using bacterial fermentation. A sequence of interest is introduced into the bacteria, which are then grown in large fermentation tanks. The bacteria replicate and produce the dsRNA based on the inserted sequence. The dsRNA is extracted from the bacteria after fermentation, , and formulated for use in various applications.

Question 4

4.	What is it good for?

Accepted Answer

RNAi is good for silencing specific genes to control diseases, prevent harmful protein production, and study gene function. It has potential in treating viral infections, genetic disorders, cancer, and even improving crop resilience. By targeting and turning off malfunctioning genes, RNAi offers a precise, tailored approach to medicine and biotechnology.

Question 5

5.	What is the common use of RNAi?

Accepted Answer

RNAi is currently used worldwide in research, agriculture, and medicine. In research, it's used to study gene function by selectively silencing genes in cells or animals. In agriculture, RNAi is applied to create pest-resistant crops and improve crop yields by targeting specific genes in pests or plants. Medically, RNAi is being explored for treating genetic diseases, viral infections, and cancers by silencing harmful genes or viruses at the molecular level.

Question 6

6.	Is it GMO?

Accepted Answer

RNAi technology is not considered GMO (genetically modified organism) because it does not involve altering an organism's DNA. Instead, it temporarily silences specific genes by targeting their RNA, without making permanent changes to the genetic material. This makes RNAi a different, non-GMO approach to modifying gene expressions.

Question 7

7.	Does the product have bacteria in it?

Accepted Answer

No! There are no bacteria in the final product. Once the bacteria have produced enough dsRNA, the cells are harvested, and the dsRNA is extracted. The final product is encapsulated dsRNA, free from bacterial contamination, as confirmed by external certified lab analysis.

Question 8

8.	Why shrimp?

Accepted Answer

Shrimp possess a relatively simple immune system that relies primarily on basic defenses, such as physical barriers and cellular responses, to combat infections. Unlike vertebrates, they lack a sophisticated adaptive immune system, making them more susceptible to diseases. However, RNA interference (RNAi) plays a crucial role in their immune response. By activating RNAi pathways, shrimp can prepare their immune system to combat viruses and parasites, effectively preventing the spread of infections and minimizing damage. This targeted mechanism enhances their immune defenses and bolsters their resilience against diseases.

Question 9

9.	What makes ViAqua’s solution unique?

Accepted Answer

ViAqua has developed an innovative oral RNAi treatment with a cost-effective production process and a robust, stable carrier based formulation. This carrier safeguards the integrity of the dsRNA molecules throughout the feed production process, in water, and as they pass through the shrimp’s digestive system. As a result, the RNAi mechanism is effectively activated within shrimp cells, delivering a targeted and efficient treatment.

Question 10

10.	Does it work?

Accepted Answer

YES! ViAqua has been testing its products in various trials since 2018 and has over 15 trials validating the product works. For example, oral treatment challenge trials against lethal viral shrimp diseases which lasted 21 days at an EU based lab, demonstrated relative percent survival (%RPS) between 40% to 77% depending on the treatment dose.

Trials against parasite infection which lasted for 52 days demonstrated an improvement in growth performance compared to the positive control group, with higher biomass gain, improved FCR, and more uniform size.

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Question 11

11.	How do you use it?

Accepted Answer

ViAqua produces dsRNA through bacterial fermentation and a proprietary downstream process to create a dry powder of encapsulated dsRNA, which is then mixed with feed for targeted treatment of specific pathogens. 
This powder could be mixed with other ingredients during feed production process, or by top coating techniques which involve applying a layer of active ingredients onto the surface of finished feed pellets.

Question 12

12.	How / where can I buy it?

Accepted Answer

Our products are not available for sale yet, but we are working hard with our partners to bring them to market ASAP. In the meanwhile, please contact us with your interest and we will make sure to put you on our waiting list.
Contact us for more information.  (https://www.viaqua-t.com/contact)

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