Benchmark Holdings PLC Benchmark participates in gene editing research
07 December 2017 - 6:01PM
RNS Non-Regulatory
TIDMBMK
Benchmark Holdings PLC
07 December 2017
RNS Reach
Benchmark Holdings plc
("Benchmark" or the "Company")
Benchmark participates in gene editing research to develop
disease resistance in salmon
Benchmark, the aquaculture health, nutrition, and genetics
business, is pleased to announce its participation in an important
gene editing research project.
-- Third party funded study to investigate the potential for
gene editing technology to increase resistance against infectious
salmon anaemia (ISA)
-- Gene editing represents a significant long-term opportunity
in animal health, following on from recent breakthroughs in human
health
-- First of a number of initiatives being undertaken by
Benchmark in this field for wider applications
The study, funded by a GBP500,000 Industrial Partnership Award
from the UK's Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research
Council (BBSRC), will last three years and will investigate the
possible use of gene editing technology to increase resistance
against ISA. Project collaborators include individuals from the
Roslin Institute, the University of Aberdeen, Benchmark's
SalmoBreed, the Institute of Marine Research (Norway), INRA
(France), Marine Science Scotland (Aberdeen) and Cefas (UK).
The aim of the study is to identify genes involved in the
infection of Atlantic salmon by ISA and make alterations to
increase resistance. This could then be applied to produce ISA
resistant broodstock for farming.
Gene editing is a new technology which uses enzyme systems such
as CRISPR/Cas9 and TALEN amongst others to make precise, targeted
alterations to the DNA sequence. In contrast with previous
technologies it does not rely on introduction of genes from other
species.
ISA causes high mortality and significant monetary losses in
affected salmon farms worldwide, and is a major welfare issue.
There are no treatments for ISA and, in the event of an outbreak,
producers are forced to cull all affected stock. Existing solutions
such as vaccination and biosecurity cannot fully prevent the spread
of the disease. Gene editing can provide an additional way to
combat ISA.
This study is the first of a number of initiatives being
undertaken by Benchmark in this field. Gene editing represents a
significant long-term opportunity, and learnings from this study
will be applied to other disease areas and species including shrimp
and tilapia.
Malcolm Pye, Benchmark CEO, commented:
"Gene editing is a potentially powerful tool to combat disease
in aquaculture and, with a team of world class geneticists,
Benchmark is at the forefront of this research in line with our
strategy of developing world class aquaculture health products.
This is a very exciting time for gene editing with major
breakthroughs in human health resulting from decades of research
which augur well for animal health. We are delighted to be
collaborating with leading institutions to use this novel
technology to improve the health and welfare of farmed fish."
Enquiries
Benchmark Holdings plc
Malcolm Pye, CEO
Ivonne Cantu, Investor Relations Director
Rachel Aninakwah, Communications
Numis Tel: +44 (0)20 7260 1000
Michael Meade / Freddie Barnfield (NOMAD)
James Black (Corporate Broking)
MHP Communications Tel: +44 (0)20 3128 8742
Katie Hunt / Reg Hoare /Alistair de Kare-Silver benchmark@mhpc.com
Notes to Editors:
Benchmark challenges the status quo in aquaculture.
Since 2000, Benchmark has consistently worked to build a
platform to serve its customers, helping food producers take
control of their biological environment through the combination of
genetics, nutrition, health and knowledge services. Through its
in-depth knowledge of animal biology Benchmark is able to tackle
the key issues facing producers primarily in the aquaculture
sector.
The Company has proven distribution capabilities in high growth
markets and operates internationally with R&D facilities,
commercial farms, diagnostic laboratories, manufacturing sites,
production facilities and commercial offices across 27 countries in
five continents. As at 30 September 2017, Benchmark employed 952
people.
For further information on Benchmark please visit
www.benchmarkplc.com.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
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