KnipBio gets greenlight from FDA for SCP in shrimp feed applications
This endorsement is for the use of KBM in feeds for shrimp and other crustaceans and comes on the heels of its previous GRAS approval for KBM as a feed ingredient for finfish.
The Massachusetts-based company, relying on biotechnology, has developed KnipBio Meal - a range of aquafeed ingredients built around its ‘PROTEINplus' technology that combines immunonutrients with single cell protein.
KBM is the first single cell protein to achieve GRAS approval for both finfish and crustaceans, said the US innovator.
“As new ingredients become available to producers, there is a need for validation and to demonstrate efficacy. Obtaining this independent designation from US-FDA and subsequent listing into the AAFCO manual, indicates just that,” said Larry Feinberg, CEO of KnipBio.
GRAS approval from the FDA is based on a complex review process that can take years to complete, and that this second approval, he said, is another important milestone for the SCP producer, supporting it in its ambition to further penetrate the $50bn global aquafeed market.
“It moves us significantly ahead in producing alternative proteins.”
Third-party manufacturing
In terms of where KnipBio is at right now in terms of production scale-up, Feinberg told FeedNavigator:
“The company has recently completed a series of commercial scale manufacturing runs as recently as just this past week at a third-party manufacturing facility with strong consistency and reliability.
“We are pleased with the results and think this sets the stage to achieve more competitive production economics in the near future.”
KBM and other single cell protein technologies still need to achieve cost parity with incumbent proteins.
KnipBio has been working over the last 12 months to diversify its feedstock.
“The team has made fantastic progress with converting low-cost, agricultural waste feedstocks to high value protein. COVID-19 has no doubt complicated global economies, energy markets such as ethanol, along with our own priorities and development timelines.
“So this activity is progressing, but at a slower rate, currently.”
