Proof of Concept projects – Active Ingredients
Virginia Tech have started a proof of concept study to demonstrate contact toxicity of novel bivalent carbamates against susceptible and carbamate resistant strains of mosquitoes. If this proof of concept study proves successful a full project will be proposed to develop novel bivalent carbamates for vector control and assuming success would result in a new product based on a new active ingredient being available approximately ten years after the start of a full project.
A third company has completed a successful proof of concept screening project in which they reviewed their chemical library and screened up to 1000 compounds from several different chemical classes against adult mosquitoes. The hit rate has been promising and we plan to agree on a full project with the company in 2010.
Projects in development
Three other agrochemical companies have expressed initial interest in screening their chemical libraries for new vector control active ingredients. The IVCC has also had contact with a contract screening organisation who also owns a chemical library. This offers the IVCC the possibility of screening further chemical libraries unattached to the major crop protection companies, but still containing chemistry with potential for insecticide activity.
Proof of Concept projects – Formulation and Repurposing
We have tested 2 DuPont agricultural insecticides for their potential to be used as IRS and ITN insecticides. These insecticides have different modes of action to those currently used in vector control. Both of these insecticides have shown some potential as vector control IRS and ITN insecticides and we are currently discussing a possible full project with DuPont.
We have started a proof of concept study with BASF looking at the potential for one of their currently approved agricultural insecticides to be used in vector control as an IRS and ITN. This insecticide’s mode of action is different to those currently used in vector control. If this project proves positive for both or either intervention a full development project will follow.
A proof of concept project has recently been agreed with AkzoNobel to test whether modern surface coatings technology can be used to deliver very long lasting IRS formulations (2-5 years residual activity). If this project proves successful a full development project will follow.
We have also completed another proof of concept study looking at alternatives to pyrethroids for ITN’s. This project has produced some interesting and positive initial results and we are discussing a potential full project with the industrial partner.