Divergence raises $11.8 million for nematode research

St. Louis, Missouri, US-based Divergence has raised US $11.8 million in Series C funding to continue development of its technology to prevent or control parasitic nematode infestations, announced CleanTech Group LLC.

According to CEO Derek Rapp, Divergence is mapping roundworm genomes to develop chemicals to target just those genes — killing the creature without impacting the soil, people, or other wildlife. "The products to kill parasitic roundworms are problematic because they lack specificity in their activity," Rapp said. "They can harm the environment, or the grower, or any organism that comes into contact with it. We're taking the knowledge of the nematode to allow us to focus on the parts of the genome of the roundworm that are unique to it so we can find ways to kill nematodes without the harmful impacts on other parts of the environment."

The company, which focuses on chemical pesticides and nematode-resistent crops, expects a product to reach the market in several years. Parasitic roundworms cause an estimated $80 billion in crop damage annually worldwide. Parasitic roundworms cause an estimated $80 billion in crop damage annually across the globe. Divergence estimates the global market for nematicides at between $700 million and $1 billion each year.