Innovation Proposals
Institute of Molecular Biology Institute of Molecular Biology
Division of Natural Sciences

Immunomodulating preparation for prevention of viral infections (foot-and-mouth and Newcastle diseases) in cattle and poultry

N Investment project title Immunomodulating preparation for prevention of viral infections (foot-and-mouth and Newcastle diseases) in cattle and poultry
1. Sector

Agriculture, veterinary, biotechnology

2. Project description

The proposed preparation possesses immunomodulatory activity and is designed to enhance the effectiveness of antiviral prophylaxis in cattle and poultry. The need for this development is evident in connection with the frequent outbreaks of foot-and-mouth and Newcastle diseases in livestock breeding regions worldwide and in Armenia particularly.
The preparation is composed of dsRNA-Ca2+-polysaccharide complex. It is stable in the blood of an animal and is not degraded by blood plasma enzymes due to the presence of calcium ions(inhibitors of serum nucleases). It is not a vaccine, but is intended to enhance the immune system response. 
According to the results of trials carried out by Food Safety Risk Analysis and Assessment Research Center SNCO, the preparation is effective for the prevention of foot-and-mouth disease of cattle and Newcastle disease of poultry. The product is ready for small-scale production.

3. Project implementation period 3 years
4. Project location Institute of Molecular Biology of NAS RA
5. Project overall cost (USD) 155.000
6. Required investments (USD) 105.000
7. Own funds (USD) 55.000 (has been already invested in R&D and preliminary trials)
8. Creation of jobs At the beginning of the project At the end of the project
5 - 10 30 - 50
9. Payback period 2-3 years
10. Annual profitability index 1.05 - 1.1
11. Detailed costs

-

12. Offer to investor

The organization of a joint venture, an investor’s share will depend on the amount of invested funds and project involvement stage

13. Contact details

Arsen Arakelyan, Director of the Institute of Molecular Biology of NAS RA
E-mail: aarakelyan {[ at ]} sci.am
Tel.: (+374 10) 281626