Moa Technology and NAICONS Form Partnership for Herbicide Development

Oxford-based agricultural biotech firm Moa Technology has joined forces with Italian natural products company NAICONS to accelerate the search for a safe, effective, and affordable biological herbicide. The partnership aims to discover new solutions to control weeds while ensuring safety for humans and the environment. Moa’s advanced screening platform will test a vast library of micro-bacterial extracts from NAICONS, seeking potential leads to develop innovative herbicides.

The urgent need for new herbicides is highlighted by the increasing resistance of over 273 weed species to existing chemicals. The economic impact of weed-related crop losses is significant, with billions of dollars lost annually in countries like the US, Australia, and the UK. Moa’s previous screenings have led to the discovery of novel herbicides with promising results in field trials, showcasing the potential of their research efforts.

Under the agreement, Moa will have exclusive rights to develop any new herbicides identified in NAICONS’ library, with both companies set to benefit from future licensing and commercialization. Dr. Virginia Corless, CEO of Moa Technology, emphasizes the importance of their screening platform in identifying viable compounds for herbicide development. The collaboration with NAICONS presents an opportunity to explore natural product libraries and find sustainable weed control solutions.

Stefano Donadio, CEO of NAICONS, expresses enthusiasm for the partnership and the potential of their micro4all platform to identify lead molecules for herbicide development. With a diverse collection of actinomycete bacteria, NAICONS is well-positioned to contribute to the search for effective herbicides. The collaboration between the two companies signifies a shared commitment to innovation in agriculture and biotechnology.

Moa Technology, founded in 2017 at Oxford University, is dedicated to providing farmers with cutting-edge herbicides to protect their crops from resistant weeds. Their success in discovering novel mode of action herbicides is evident in recent field trials, with plans for commercialization in the near future. The partnership with Nufarm further solidifies Moa’s position as a leader in herbicide development.

NAICONS, based in Milan, specializes in the discovery of bioactive molecules and has a proven track record in natural product research. Their micro4all platform integrates a vast library of actinomycete bacteria, facilitating the rapid identification of compounds with potential applications in various industries. Collaborations with global institutions underscore NAICONS’ commitment to driving innovation and developing sustainable solutions.

In conclusion, the partnership between Moa Technology and NAICONS represents a significant step towards addressing the urgent need for new herbicides in agriculture. By combining their expertise and resources, the two companies are poised to make groundbreaking discoveries in weed control. The potential impact of their collaboration extends beyond the field of agriculture, offering new possibilities for sustainable solutions in various sectors. Stay tuned for further developments from Moa and NAICONS as they work towards creating a safer and more effective herbicide for farmers worldwide.