Aquit developed a feed additive based on a salmon protein that rapidly and systemically modulates immunity against bacterial diseases.
Antibiotic use in Chile remains a challenge for the salmon farming industry. Bacterial diseases such as piscirickettsiosis (SRS) continue to affect production, and although alternatives exist, the problem has not yet been fully resolved.
In this context, Jorn Bethke (CTO) and Cristián Valenzuela (CSO) of Aquit decided to apply their knowledge of salmon immunology to develop a product that harnesses the fish’s own immune system and modulates it more effectively. The team identified a key protein involved in immune regulation, capable of “signaling” to the fish, which mechanisms to activate for protection.
Based on this discovery, they were able to reproduce the protein using yeast and incorporate it into feed as an additive. The team developed a preventive product that can be added during the feed extrusion process, as it is thermostable.
Initial trials showed positive results in survival against Piscirickettsia and Tenacibaculum. These findings were later validated in third-party field trials, with relative survival rates of 50% for SRS and 70% against Tenacibaculum.
With these results, Aquit participated in the Asia-Pacific Global Aquaculture Challenge organized by The Yield Lab, winning the Sustainability Award in 2021.
Through GRIDX, the team brought Daniela Allerbon on board as CEO of Aquit, transforming it into an international company with headquarters in the United States, a scientific team in Chile, and a management team in Argentina. The company also secured its first funding round to accelerate product development and validation over the past three years.
“We have generated significant interest in the industry, both among animal health partners and feed companies and producers,” Allerbon said in an interview with Aquafeed.com.
The company is currently conducting a sea-based pilot trial with one million fish in partnership with MultiX, Chile’s second-largest salmon producer. Allerbon highlighted the company’s role: “It’s not easy to find someone willing to lead the innovation process and keep it open and viable. MultiX has an innovation department that coordinates this process and connects all stakeholders. It is the company that invests the most in certified innovation by Corfo in Chile.”
A faster and systemic mechanism
According to Allerbon, the product acts up to four times faster than other approaches, as it avoids the inflammation that some alternatives can trigger. She also noted that certain products currently on the market, such as some based on plant extracts, may generate immunogenic tolerance, requiring periodic withdrawal. “In our case, since it is a protein from the fish itself, there are no issues of intolerance, overinflammation, or misrecognition. That’s why the effect is so fast,” she said.
“We are much more efficient in terms of mechanism of action. In addition, we activate multiple immune pathways. One of them, for example, is the production of antimicrobial peptides,” she explained.
Aquit’s proposal, she added, is more holistic: “It activates the fish’s general immunity, and the effect of our protein is systemic. For example, in a proof-of-concept trial with Caligus, we achieved up to a 15% reduction in sea lice attachment, as there is also an effect at the epithelial level.”
Expansion to other species and markets
The company is initially focused on salmon but is also evaluating expansion into other species such as shrimp and even poultry. “It’s a powerful technology because of its multiplicity: it’s not aimed at a single pathogen; it’s broad-spectrum and very fast,” Allerbon said. “It’s a simple yet powerful approach that enhances the animal’s immunity.”
Through bioinformatics and artificial intelligence, the team has replicated the technology and already has a shrimp prototype, with plans to validate it in Ecuador and Vietnam.
Aquit is currently raising funds to scale the technology. The team is also in discussions with producers in Argentina, Europe, and India.
Despite a challenging investment environment, Aquit has institutional investors such as Hatch, Ocean Impact Organization, and GRIDX, in addition to angel investors. The company has received several recognitions, including FoodTech 500, the Responsible Seafood Innovation Award from the Global Seafood Alliance in 2023, and in 2025 was nominated for Prince William’s Earthshot Prize. It has also participated in multiple acceleration programs, including Ocean Impact Organization and Hatch Blue Crest.
“One of our main concerns is reducing antibiotic use. We know it is increasingly shifting from a nice-to-have to a must-have. In addition, traceability requirements are becoming stricter; for example, under the U.S. Food Security Act, traceability must be defined within 24 hours. Solutions like ours will be key,” Allerbon concluded.
