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Micropep’s Innovative Approach to Pest Control
In the ongoing battle against pests, farmers are seeking alternatives to chemical pesticides. The solution might lie within the plants themselves, as examined by Micropep, a company exploring the potential of naturally occurring compounds known as micropeptides. These small proteins, fewer than 100 amino acids long, are emerging as a promising new class of pesticides. If Micropep’s efforts succeed, these products could prove to be more effective and less harmful than conventional synthetic pesticides.
The Role of Micropeptides in Plant Defense
Micropeptides have been largely overlooked for years, as researchers initially thought their small size rendered them insignificant. However, these small proteins play crucial roles in organ development and intracellular communication. Of particular interest is their ability to act as cellular switches, regulating functions by turning processes on and off. This precise control makes them useful in combatting pests and pathogens.
Micropep’s First Line of Products
Micropep’s initial products are designed for use on soybean plants, employing a method similar to antibiotics. The micropeptides are sprayed on leaves, where they wait for specific fungi to land. Upon the arrival and growth of a fungal spore, the micropeptide targets the fungus’s cell membrane, leading to its self-destruction. Should this approach prove effective, it could have a significant impact on agriculture, which is responsible for a substantial portion of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Challenges in Development and Deployment
Despite the promising potential, Micropep faces several hurdles. One major challenge is the stability of micropeptides in natural environments. In soil, they are quickly broken down by microbial enzymes. To address this, Micropep is focusing initially on above-soil applications and optimizing the stability of its products to last a few days. The company employs predictive models to identify durable micropeptide candidates, testing 1,000 to 2,000 in labs and narrowing down to 50 to 100 for greenhouse trials, with field trials being the final efficacy stage.
Regulatory Path and Future Plans
Micropep is currently navigating regulatory processes in the U.S., Brazil, and Europe, aiming to have its products under review by 2026. The company hopes to go live in the U.S. and Brazil by 2028 and in Europe by 2030. In future iterations, Micropep plans to enhance plants’ natural pest resistance capabilities. The key will be activating the right defenses at the optimal time, as prolonged activation can deplete the plant’s energy.
In a bid to reach a wider audience, Micropep intends to partner with other companies to incorporate micropeptides into their products, rather than developing and marketing them solo. This approach acknowledges the fragmented and competitive nature of the agricultural market, which features diverse crops and varied farming practices.
Funding and Strategic Growth
Micropep recently secured $29 million in a Series B funding round led by Zebra Impact Investors and BPI Green Tech Investments, with contributions from Fall Line Capital, FMC Ventures, Sofinnova Partners, and more. The funding is earmarked for the company’s go-to-market strategy, facilitating its journey from innovative concept to market presence.
As Micropep progresses, its micropeptide technology holds the potential to revolutionize pest control in agriculture, offering a more sustainable and less toxic alternative to traditional pesticides.
