SBIR Phase II: Atlantic Cod Nodavirus Vaccine

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project of develops a recombinant vaccine for the prevention of nodavirus disease of cultured Atlantic cod, fisheries of growing importanct to New England and Atlantic Canada. The recombinant technology used to build the vaccine is economical, safe and results in a potent and efficacious product that improves cod health. The research addresses recombinant antigen synthesis, formulation, safety, potency and efficacy. After translational development, manufacturing and regulatory approval, the vaccine will be available to cod producers for the prevention of nodavirus disease. The broader impacts of this research will be to enable more facile development of the nascent cod aquaculture industry in respect to methods of viral disease control through vaccination. This is in concert with the desire of the nation to increase aquacultural production significantly by 2020 without impacting the ocean environment negatively.