Arizona biotech company TransGenada Enterprises has been awarded a small business innovation research grant from the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).
The grant will be used to fast track the company’s venture to create commercially viable, near immunized strains of Pacific white shrimp using its proprietary mechanism to deliver targeted and unique genetic traits.
The immune system of these shrimp will be strengthened against some of the most devastating diseases by using the latest biotechnological advances. The disease resistance imparted by TransGenada’s technology will provide these shrimp with virtual immunity that will bestow the shrimp an inherent ability to survive impending epidemics.
“Since we started in 2010, out goal has always been to help innovate shrimp aquaculture. Out goals originate from our belief that this industry has the greatest potential to not only benefit from our technology but also to create an enduring value for the public,” said Jeremy Ellis, TransGenada CEO. “We appreciate the confidence the U.S. Department of Agriculture has placed in us and we are looking forward to seeing the change our products will bring about.”