© Thor Brødreskift
The patented natural compound is being hailed as a breakthrough in combating salmon lice, a challenge that costs the seafood industry around NOK 18 billion annually, according to research by Nofima. Unlike conventional treatments, the drug has a low environmental impact whilst remaining highly effective.
Over the last decade, the use of drugs to combat salmon lice has dropped from 95 percent of all treatments to less than 10 percent, largely due to environmental concerns and growing resistance. Despite a shift to mechanical and thermal methods, these alternatives have presented welfare challenges for the fish, underscoring the need for an alternative approach.
“The aquaculture industry urgently needs sustainable solutions to tackle salmon lice. This new treatment provides an effective and environmentally friendly alternative without the need for mechanical or thermal intervention,” said Jan Rune Nordhagen, chief executive of Vestland Pharma, in a press release.
Sarsia brings extensive experience in fish health, microbiology, and drug development, while Coast Seafood offers direct insights from fish farmers across Norway. Together, the investors aim to bring the treatment to market quickly to benefit the entire aquaculture value chain.
“Vestland Pharma’s innovation is a game-changer, and we are proud to support a solution that prioritises both fish welfare and the marine ecosystem,” said Henrik Solberg-Johansen of Sarsia.
Sverre Søraa, chief executive of Coast Seafood, added: “Salmon lice are a critical challenge for fish farmers and the broader industry. By investing in Vestland Pharma, we hope to deliver an effective and sustainable solution that benefits everyone.”
The project is further supported by a NOK 10.6 million grant from Innovation Norway’s Environmental Technology Scheme. These funds will be used for studies on fish welfare, effectiveness, and ecotoxicology - key steps in securing regulatory approval.
