IVCC and Syngenta start a novel insecticidal active ingredient for malaria control

IVCC and Syngenta, a leading innovator in insecticidal technology, have launched a project to develop a new insecticidal active ingredient for public health applications, as part of IVCCs strategy to break the impasse in development of mosquito control products.

Improved and sustainable control of the insects that transmit disease is dependent upon development of new public health pesticides. However, since agrochemical insecticides are not targeted at mosquitoes, their profiles often do not match those required for public health application. This has led to a drought of new public health products.

This project aims to identify lead candidate compounds for a new active ingredient that is effective against adult mosquitoes, in particular against mosquito strains which have developed resistance to the existing pesticides. The Syngenta chemical collection contains more than 2.5 million distinct chemical substances acquired or synthesised over decades of agrochemical research. Researchers for the company believe that this collection could contain a number of potential candidates.

Syngenta has developed a novel screening process for identification of the optimal candidates from their collection. IVCC has collected together an Expert Scientific Advisory Committee which represents a "Whos Who" of the world of insecticide development and this group will review the data generated by the screening process with Syngenta experts to identify the best candidates that will be taken forward to the next phase.

Dr Tom McLean, Senior Executive Officer, explained the importance of IVCCs intervention: "The unique skills base within the agrochemical industry places them in an ideal position to develop new active ingredients for public health applications but the small market for public health pesticides simply could not support the high research and development costs of such a project.

"The role of the IVCC is to unlock the talent and enthusiasm of companies like Syngenta to enable them to take on huge research efforts for public health by absorbing the front end costs. We are delighted by the commitment that Syngenta has shown to this project."

"Syngenta has increased significantly its activities in the Vector Control area since 2008.

We are really excited about this second project with IVCC," said Frdric Baur, Global Head Vector Control at Syngenta.

"It represents a key milestone in our long-term commitment to the fight against malaria and other mosquito transmitted diseases. It is an important part of our pledge to improve the health and quality of life in the rural communities. I am confident this new project will accelerate the development of new vector control products, which benefit communities where the need is greatest."