RNA-based technologies for aquaculture offer a promising, sustainable way to boost disease resistance, performance & productivity through mass in-feed application. With traditional methods falling short and viral outbreaks still threatening production, these innovative feed-based solutions point to a scalable, sustainable alternative. But how exactly do they work—and can they live up to the promise in real-world farming?
VP of Business Development
ViAqua Therapeutics
AQUACULTURE’S UNTAPPED POTENTIAL FACES A THREAT
As the global population grows and the demand for high-quality, sustainable protein sources intensifies, aquaculture stands out as a critical pillar of future food security. From Asia to Latin America, shrimp farming has become a cornerstone of this rapidly evolving sector. Yet, despite the promising growth, aquaculture remains highly vulnerable to one of its most persistent adversaries: Disease outbreaks.
In shrimp farming, viral pathogens such as White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) and Infectious Myonecrosis Virus (IMNV) represent significant threats. These pathogens can decimate entire shrimp populations within days, leading to catastrophic financial losses for farmers and destabilizing supply chains. According to industry estimates, the economic damage from such outbreaks can run into billions of dollars annually. Beyond the immediate financial implications, the ripple effects erode farmer confidence, disrupt trade, and hinder long-term investment in sustainable aquaculture growth.
Historically, the industry has leaned on traditional solutions, ranging from antibiotics and probiotics to enhanced biosecurity measures, to combat disease. While these approaches have yielded incremental improvements, they often fall short when scaled across large, diverse production systems. Moreover, concerns over antibiotic resistance, residue in seafood products, and environmental impact have fueled demand for more advanced, eco-friendly alternatives.
PRECISION TOOLS FOR A HEALTHIER SHRIMP INDUSTRY
ViAqua is at the forefront of a transformative shift in disease management through its pioneering work with RNA-based aquaculture technologies. By harnessing the power of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), ViAqua’s platform offers a new class of functional health solutions designed to enhance shrimp immunity from the inside out. These tools operate by triggering a natural biological process known as RNA interference (RNAi), a pathway that allows the shrimp to silence specific viral genes and prevent replication of harmful pathogens.
What sets RNA-based approaches apart is their precision and sustainability. Unlike broad-spectrum antibiotics, RNA tools target specific viral sequences without affecting the host organism or beneficial microbial communities. This pathogen-specific targeting minimizes collateral impact and enhances treatment effectiveness. Furthermore, because dsRNA molecules degrade rapidly in the environment and do not involve genetic modification, these technologies align with evolving global regulations and consumer expectations around responsible aquaculture practices.
TRANSFORMING AQUAFEED INTO A HEALTH PLATFORM
One of the most promising aspects of RNA-based solutions is their compatibility with existing aquafeed systems. ViAqua’s technology enables the incorporation of dsRNA into feed, effectively turning shrimp diets into a delivery vehicle facilitating mass application for health protection.
ViAqua’s oral delivery platform was found to be as effective as injection against viral diseases. In a controlled IMNV challenge trial, results demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing shrimp mortality. As shown in Figure 2, shrimp that received RNA-based treatment either via injection or functional feed showed survival rates of 90%, compared to 100% mortality in untreated controls. Oral delivery with ViAqua’s treatment reduced mortality to just 10%, highlighting the platform’s potential for practical, scalable disease prevention in real-world farming conditions.
Embedding RNA tools in feed delivers several game-changing advantages:
• Convenient and scalable application: Farmers can administer health interventions using existing infrastructure without altering standard operating procedures.
• Improved biosecurity: Feed-based delivery reduces the risk of contamination and minimizes handling stress for animals.
• System-wide impact: Functional feeds can be distributed uniformly, providing consistent protection across large pond systems.
REAL-WORLD BENEFITS AND MEASURABLE IMPACT
Results from ViAqua’s trials and laboratory studies have been highly encouraging. In controlled environments, RNA-treated animals consistently exhibit improved survival rates during viral exposure. Moreover, treated shrimp demonstrate better growth performance and feed conversion ratios, indicating that these tools not only mitigate disease but also support overall animal health and farm profitability.
As scalability improves, the cost-effectiveness of RNA-based interventions continues to grow. Manufacturing processes have been optimized to support commercial-scale production, and distribution via standard feed channels further lowers logistical barriers. As a result, these innovations are rapidly moving from research to real-world deployment.
THE ROAD TO INDUSTRY ADOPTION
The future of RNA tools in aquaculture is promising, but successful adoption depends on several key factors:
• Stakeholder Education: Farmers, feed formulators, and farm health specialists must understand how RNAi works, its benefits and how to integrate it confidently into operations.
• Demonstrated Consistency: RNA tools must perform reliably across varied geographies, pond conditions, and shrimp life stages to gain broad market acceptance.
• Collaborative Ecosystem: Strong partnerships between biotech innovators like ViAqua, feed manufacturers, farmers, and regulators are essential to streamline approvals and ensure alignment with industry standards.
A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO DISEASE PREVENTION
It’s important to recognize that RNA-based aquaculture tools are not a silver bullet. Instead, they are a critical part of a broader, integrated health strategy that includes early pathogen detection, biosecurity infrastructure and environmental monitoring.
By shifting the industry mindset from reactive treatment to proactive prevention, RNA technologies empower aquaculture stakeholders to manage disease more effectively and sustainably. This paradigm shift promises to reduce economic volatility, enhance food security, and foster a more resilient aquaculture sector.
ENABLING THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABLE AQUACULTURE
ViAqua envisions a future where aquaculture thrives because of proactive innovations that neutralize disease risks before they manifest. Through its RNA platform, ViAqua is unlocking new possibilities, where shrimp farming is not only more productive and profitable but also more responsible and resilient.
As the world looks to aquaculture to feed a growing population, the ability to sustainably manage disease will be central to the industry’s success. RNA-based solutions, like those developed by ViAqua, are more than just scientific breakthroughs, they are strategic enablers for the future of aquaculture.
About Elad Zohar
As the VP of Business Development at ViAqua Therapeutics, Elad Zohar has 20 years of international experience in aquaculture, biotechnology, and strategic partnerships. He is committed to advancing innovative, sustainable solutions for animal nutrition and health.
