Latest news with #ASFV
Business Wire
22-07-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Seek Labs Announces Inclusion of Veterinary Diseases in Global Disease Atlas, Accelerating Development of Therapeutics to Bolster Global Protein Supply Chains
SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Seek Labs, a biotech company boldly seeking a healthier world through AI-powered discovery, programmable therapeutics, and point-of-care diagnostics, today announced the inclusion of veterinary pathogens in its Global Disease Atlas, tackling head-on one of global health's most pressing challenges: safeguarding protein supply chains, which remain exposed to both endemic and emerging biological diseases. These threats directly undermine the resilience of food systems and lead to protein shortages, price volatility, and supply chain destabilization, causing billions in economic losses through culling, trade bans, and supply disruptions. African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV), Capripox (Lumpy Skin Disease, Sheep Pox, Goat Pox), and Classical Swine Fever (CSFV) are among the diseases already mapped by Seek Labs' BioSeeker™ discovery engine to accelerate the development of targeted therapeutics. African Swine Fever (ASFV), Capripox (Lumpy Skin Disease, Sheep Pox, Goat Pox), and Classical Swine Fever (CSFV) are among the diseases already mapped by Seek Labs' BioSeeker™ discovery engine to accelerate the development of targeted therapeutics. Share From Genomic Mapping to Therapeutic Design: How BioSeeker Powers the Programmable Target Ablation Platform (PTAP) BioSeeker™ scans thousands of publicly available genomic sequences to identify high-potential, PTAP-compatible targets essential for viral replication. These mapped targets form a blueprint intended to guide development of programmable, CRISPR-based 'seek-and-destroy' therapeutics that target the pathogen at its genetic core. This adaptability includes targeting both RNA and DNA viruses. Progress in Veterinary Therapeutic Programs with PTAP African Swine Fever Virus African Swine Fever Virus represents an ongoing crisis that has caused over $100 billion in global economic losses, repeatedly disrupting pork production, which is a critical protein source worldwide. Seek Labs has developed an ASFV therapeutic candidate that successfully completed in vivo trials, demonstrating an increase from 0% survival to nearly 60% survival in animals challenged with lethal doses of the pandemic strain. 'Our in vivo ASFV trials demonstrated the first successful study in a veterinary model using a programmable therapeutic against a high-consequence foreign animal disease, showing our adaptable platform could be engineered as a countermeasure for other viral threats,' said Douglas Gladue, Seek Labs' VP of Veterinary Pharmaceutical Development. Capripox Viruses (Lumpy Skin Disease, Sheep and Goat Pox) Capripox viruses cause widespread livestock outbreaks across continents, with cumulative losses estimated at over $1 billion globally in the past decade due to culling, trade bans, and production declines. These closely related pathogens—including Lumpy Skin Disease, Sheep Pox, and Goat Pox—belong to the same viral family (Capripox) and share highly conserved genomic regions. BioSeeker has identified targets supporting a potential pan-Capripox therapeutic to combat outbreaks across regions. Classical Swine Fever (CSFV) Classical Swine Fever (CSFV) is a persistent, highly contagious transboundary threat that has caused over $5 billion in estimated global economic losses in recent decades through trade restrictions, mass culling, and costly eradication campaigns. Together, these veterinary targets demonstrate Seek Labs' capacity to rapidly design, develop, and deliver programmable solutions for diverse, high-consequence threats with PTAP. This cross-species capability not only supports animal health but also strengthens global bio-surveillance and control infrastructure. Partnering for a Holistic Global Health Solution The inclusion of veterinary pathogens underscores Seek Labs' commitment to global health by recognizing the interdependence of human and animal health. By building a robust, partner-ready repository of mapped genomic targets and combining BioSeeker's precision mapping with its Programmable Target Ablation Platform, the company offers partners an efficient path to advance next-generation veterinary therapeutics. Seek Labs invites qualified partners to help deliver transformative solutions that improve health outcomes worldwide, strengthen food security infrastructure, and address a rapidly growing market need. About Seek Labs At Seek Labs, we don't wait for change—we build it. We're pursuing the breakthroughs the world can't wait for by developing programmable 'seek-and-destroy' therapeutics and point-of-care molecular diagnostics that close the gap between outbreak and intervention. At the core of this mission is a layered architecture: BioSeeker™ serves as the Intelligence Layer, continuously mapping conserved viral vulnerabilities in real time; these insights activate our Deployment Layers (PTAP™ for programmable therapeutics and SeekIt™ for molecular diagnostics), forming a full-stack development engine designed to accelerate response, innovation, and impact across global health. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Seek Labs is a proud member of BioHive, Utah's collaborative life sciences ecosystem. Together with our partners, we're building faster, smarter solutions for the world's most urgent health challenges. Forward-Looking Statements and Regulatory Disclaimer This press release includes forward-looking statements about Seek Labs' technologies, development plans, and partnership opportunities. These statements are based on current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ. The technologies described are investigational and have not been reviewed or approved by the FDA or any other regulatory authority for clinical or commercial use.
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
African swine fever outbreak in Vietnam: Symptoms, risks, and how to prevent it
African swine fever (ASF) has returned with force in Vietnam, prompting an urgent directive from Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to tighten disease control efforts across the country. Since January, more than 514 outbreaks have been reported in 28 of Vietnam's 34 provinces and cities. Over 30,000 pigs have either died from the disease or been culled to prevent its spread, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam. At present, 248 outbreaks remain active in 20 provinces—many of them major pig-rearing zones—raising alarm over the risk of wider transmission. In this context, the government of Vietnam has ordered strict measures to prevent any further spread of the flu. As per local reports, authorities have been told to activate all available resources, enhance surveillance, and respond swiftly to new cases. Immediate culling of infected or suspected pigs is mandated under current protocols, with support promised for affected farmers. The government has also ordered a crackdown on the illegal transport and sale of pigs, especially those infected or not properly quarantined. Understanding ASF ASF was first reported in East Africa in the early 1920s as an acute hemorrhagic fever that caused the death of almost all infected domestic pigs. It remained confined to Africa until 1957, when it appeared in Portugal. ASF has since spread to Europe, Asia, and the Americas, causing significant economic losses to the swine industry. 2018 saw one of the worst cases of ASFV in China. The outbreak led to a substantial decrease in the pig population, with the number of hogs dropping by 40.5% and sows by 39.3% between August 2018 and August 2019. African swine fever is a viral disease affecting pigs, both domestic and wild. It spreads easily and has a near-100% fatality rate in infected animals. Though not harmful to humans, ASF's impact on livestock can lead to pork shortages, price hikes, and disruptions in international trade. As for the vaccine, in 2023, Vietnam approved the domestic commercial use of its first home-grown African swine fever vaccines, but officials said the rate of vaccinated pigs remains low. Signs to watch out for According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, signs to watch for include: High fever Sudden loss of appetite Weakness and depression Vomiting or diarrhea Respiratory distress Abortions in pregnant sows Blotchy or discolored skin Unexplained sudden deaths How to prevent fever from spreading For those working in agriculture, the best protection is vigilance. Authorities advise farmers to limit pig contact with feral swine, avoid feeding food waste that might contain contaminated pork, and tighten on-farm biosecurity. Further, for anyone traveling back from countries where ASF is present is urged not to bring back any pork products, as the virus can survive in cured meats and processed foods.
Korea Herald
09-05-2025
- Health
- Korea Herald
THANARA: A Microbiome-Based Skincare Innovation Featuring 4P-Biotics Technology by AL-DNA
BANGKOK, May 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A professor from Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Science has developed a skincare formula using microbiome and 4P-biotics technology, resulting in a serum and sunscreen lotion under the brand THANARA. These products help balance the microbiome on facial skin, promoting a healthy, youthful, clear, and acne-free complexion. Healthy, moisturized, radiant, and youthful skin is a goal for many. Achieving this not only involves "beauty from the inside out" through proper nutrition, hydration, rest, emotional well-being, and balanced exercise, but also relies on effective external skin care--where "good microorganisms" play a significant role. "Microbiomes are microorganisms that live in our bodies and on our skin. They help maintain skin balance, support overall skin health (such as pH levels, moisture, and skin barrier function), and help prevent infections," explained Associate Professor Dr. Naraporn Somboonna. She emphasized the growing importance of microbiomes in the health and beauty industry. "Balancing the microbiome is key to restoring healthy skin," Assoc. Prof. Dr. Naraporn shared, introducing the idea behind the innovative skincare formula under the "THANARA" brand, developed by "AL-DNA," a startup incubated by CU Innovation Hub/CU Enterprise. Inspiration Behind the Skincare Innovation With her expertise in microbiology and portable genetic testing, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Naraporn has created impactful innovations in various fields. In public health, she developed a three-gene COVID-19 test kit used during the pandemic. In agriculture, she designed an ASFV (African Swine Fever Virus) test kit to help farmers detect infections quickly and conveniently. In the food industry, she introduced a Live Total Bacteria and Coliform Detections test kit to identify harmful bacteria in food and beverage production. Her interest in microbiomes extends to their roles in human and environmental health. She is also a member of the Multi-Omics for Functional Products in Food, Cosmetics, and Animals Research Unit and the Omics Sciences and Bioinformatics Center at Chulalongkorn University. Healthy Skin Through Microbiome and 4P-Biotics Technology According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Naraporn, AL-DNA has launched two skincare products, both patented and FDA-certified to ensure user safety: "What makes THANARA unique is its use of 4P-Biotics technology--Probiotics, Parabiotics, Prebiotics, and Postbiotics—to help balance the skin's microbiome," Assoc. Prof. Dr. Naraporn explained. "Moreover, THANARA products are free from potential irritants like alcohol, parabens, and silicone." AL-DNA: The Future of Health and Beauty THANARA products are currently available at the Faculty of Science (Research Division), CU Enterprise, and via online channels. Looking ahead, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Naraporn says that AL-DNA plans to expand its line with additional microbiome-based skincare products, including personalized skin analysis and anti-aging treatments. For more information, please contact Assoc. Prof. Dr. Naraporn Somboonna at the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, or reach out through CU Enterprise and CU Sci Products and Services, or call +6680-440-4509. View the photo album of this article at About Chulalongkorn University "Chulalongkorn University proudly retains its No. 1 position among Thai universities and ranks 132nd in Asia out of more than 2,000 institutions in the THE Asia University Rankings 2025—a testament to the excellence of Thai higher education on the regional stage."
