Evolva’s nootkatone enters NIH-sponsored studies to assess its effectiveness against mosquitoes that transmit Zika virus

REINACH, Switzerland–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Evolva (SIX:EVE) announces that the US National Institute of
Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes
of Health (NIH), will sponsor studies to test Evolva’s nootkatone
against mosquitoes infected with Zika virus. The study will evaluate
nootkatone in multiple formulations against wild type and
insecticide-resistant mosquitoes that carry the virus.

Zika is one of a number of mosquito-borne viruses, which include both
dengue and chikungunya, that are transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes
albopictus mosquitoes. The World Health Organisation and the US
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have declared the Zika
virus a public health emergency. Zika is associated with potentially
severe neuropathogenic and neurodevelopmental conditions in humans.

Studies will be conducted at Colorado State University (CSU) in Fort
Collins, Colorado, under NIAID’s preclinical services program. CSU
researchers will test both the repellency and insecticidal properties of
nootkatone against mosquitoes infected with the Zika virus. Data from
these studies will supplement Evolva’s ongoing research to fulfil the US
Environmental Protection Agency’s requirements for the commercial launch
of nootkatone.

This NIH-sponsored research represents the latest expansion of Evolva’s
nootkatone work with the US government, which began as a collaboration
with the CDC. Evolva and the CDC initially examined nootkatone’s
effectiveness for tick control as a novel approach to reduce the spread
of tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease. In late February 2016,
Evolva’s nootkatone collaboration with the CDC expanded to include an
additional focus on mosquitoes, including those that transmit Zika,
chikungunya, dengue and West Nile viruses.

CDC research has already shown that nootkatone both repels and kills Aedes
aegypti, the mosquito that transmits Zika and yellow fever, and the
black-legged tick, Ixodes scapularis which transmits Lyme
disease. Nootkatone appears to have a mode of action distinct from that
of currently used pesticides, and therefore, could potentially be
valuable for mitigating pesticide resistance in mosquito vectors.

The NIH will sponsor CSU’s studies directly, and as such there will not
be any near term impact on Evolva’s costs or revenues.

– ends –

About Evolva

Evolva is a pioneer and global leader in sustainable, fermentation-based
approaches to ingredients for health, wellness and nutrition. Evolva’s
products include stevia, resveratrol, vanillin, nootkatone and
saffron. As well as developing its own proprietary ingredients, Evolva
also deploys its technology for partners, providing them with a
competitive edge and sharing in the returns they make. For more
information see www.evolva.com.
Questions about our fermentation approach? Have a look at our video.

About nootkatone

Nootkatone
is a citrus ingredient that is characteristically associated with
grapefruit. It can be extracted in minute quantities from the skin of
grapefruit or the bark of the Alaska yellow cedar (Nootka cypress),
or produced on an industrial scale from brewing via yeast fermentation.
Nootkatone is being tested against a variety of biting and nuisance
pests, notably the ticks that are responsible for spreading Lyme
disease, but also the mosquitoes contributing to the spread of Zika,
chikungunya, dengue and West Nile viruses, as well as head lice, bed
bugs and other biting insects.

About Lyme disease and Zika virus

Lyme
disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted
to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. Typical
symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue and a characteristic skin rash
called erythema migrans. If left untreated, infection can spread to
joints, the heart and the nervous system.

Zika
virus is transmitted to humans primarily through the bite of an
infected Aedes species mosquito. The most common symptoms of Zika
are fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis (red eyes). Because the
symptoms of Zika are similar to those of many other diseases, many cases
may not have been recognized. In May 2015, the Pan American Health
Organization (PAHO) issued an alert regarding the first confirmed Zika
virus infection in Brazil and on February 1, 2016, the World Health
Organization (WHO) declared Zika a public health emergency of
international concern (PHEIC). Local transmission has been reported in
many other countries and territories. Zika likely will continue to
spread to new areas.

This press release contains specific forward-looking statements, e.g.
statements including terms like believe, assume, expect or similar
expressions. Such forward-looking statements are subject to known and
unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may result in a
substantial divergence between the actual results, financial situation,
development or performance of the company and those explicitly or
implicitly presumed in these statements. Against the background of these
uncertainties readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking
statements. The company assumes no responsibility to update
forward-looking statements or to adapt them to future events or
developments.

Contacts

Evolva
Neil Goldsmith, CEO
neilg@evolva.com
+
41 61 485 2005
or
Stephan Herrera, Media
stephanh@evolva.com
+
1 415 794 4005
or
Paul Verbraeken, IR
paulv@evolva.com
+
41 61 485 2035