The contract from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is worth $8.35 million and will run for 18 months, according to an Evolva statement. The Basel-based ingredient manufacturer will develop the insect protection on the basis of its ingredient nootkatone, which is derived from citrus fruits. Nootkatone can be produced in a sustainable, industrial-scale process by means of yeast fermentation.
Evolva and CDC have been collaborating for some time on the use of nootkatone against a wide variety of biting pests. It was originally tested for use against ticks that carry Lyme disease, but a goal in the future is to also have it effectively prevent the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases.
Evolva is pursuing a strategy to advance market-safe, sustainably produced products. Alongside stevia and resveratrol, nootkatone is one of the its main ingredients or substances. The contract with the U.S. government supports this strategy, explains Evolva.
