Renaissance BioScience Expands RNAi Biopesticide Platform to Target Soil-Dwelling Pests with Genome BC Funding

VANCOUVER, BC – Renaissance BioScience Corp., a global leader in yeast bioengineering, announced a new project funded by Genome BC to adapt its RNA interference (RNAi) biopesticide technology from above-ground insect pests to soil-dwelling crop pests, beginning with wireworms. This initiative represents a significant expansion of the company's proprietary technology, targeting one of agriculture's most persistent and destructive pests.

Wireworms, the soil-dwelling larvae of click beetles, cause substantial damage to a wide range of economically important crops, including potatoes, root vegetables, corn, and cereals. They live underground for several years, feeding on germinating seeds, seedlings, and roots, making them particularly difficult to detect and control. Traditional chemical pesticides have limited effectiveness and raise environmental concerns, driving the need for sustainable alternatives.

Renaissance's yeast-based RNAi platform delivers double-stranded RNA that silences essential genes in target pests, offering a precision approach with minimal off-target effects. The company has successfully applied this technology to leaf-feeding insects, but adapting it for below-ground pests presents unique challenges. The soil environment degrades unprotected RNA molecules, and ensuring ingestion by wireworms requires advanced formulation strategies. Renaissance plans to combine its hardy yeast delivery system with specialized formulations to protect RNAi in soil and promote uptake by wireworms.

“Wireworms are one of agriculture’s most challenging insect pests because they spend up to five years as larvae below ground, where conventional control options are limited,” said Dr. John Husnik, co-CEO and Chief Scientific Officer of Renaissance BioScience. “Beyond developing a solution for wireworms, this project is strategically important because it will help determine how our yeast-based RNAi platform can be successfully extended from leaf-feeding insects to also target soil-dwelling pests.”

The project will focus on developing a precision biopesticide targeting Agriotes species of wireworms, responsible for significant crop losses in Europe, North America, and other key agricultural markets. By identifying conserved essential genes across multiple Agriotes species, Renaissance aims to create a single product capable of controlling several species. Success in this endeavor could establish the foundation for future RNAi products targeting a broad range of economically important soil-dwelling insects and larvae.

“This support from Genome BC recognizes the tremendous potential of precision biological technologies to transform sustainable agriculture, and we appreciate their support and vision,” added Dr. Husnik. “Our goal is to provide growers with a new tool for managing wireworms while expanding the capabilities of our yeast platform to address an entirely new category of agricultural pests.”

Genome BC, a not-for-profit organization that has advanced genomics research for 25 years, has attracted over $1.1 billion in direct co-investment to British Columbia. The organization funds projects that enhance healthcare and address environmental challenges. More information can be found at www.genomebc.ca.

Renaissance BioScience, based in Vancouver, Canada, is a global-leading yeast bioengineering company developing innovative solutions for agriculture, food, nutrition, and health. For commercial inquiries, contact Sam Lee, PhD, at Renaissance BioScience Corp. Further details are available at www.renaissancebioscience.com.