SOLASTA Bio Peptide Bioinsecticides

SOLASTA Bio is a Glasgow-based agri-biotech company founded in 2021. It develops precision-targeted biological insect control as an alternative to chemical insecticides, with a registered address at the West of Scotland Science Park in Glasgow.

Its SOLASTA-branded products are peptide-based insect control solutions, each targeting a specific pest insect group, with a novel mode of action. The company says they are non-toxic, biodegradable and leave no residues, and that the platform can address crop and non-crop uses such as stored grain. 2023 field trials in Europe, the UK and the US reported efficacy as good as or better than standard insecticides.

• Peptide-based actives: nature-inspired insect control with a novel mode of action.
• Pest specificity: each product targets a specific pest insect group.
• Pollinator safety: selective activity that spares bees.
• Clean profile: non-toxic, biodegradable and no residues.
• Broad uses: crop and non-crop settings such as stored grain.

Vietnamese crop-protection distributors could track peptide bioinsecticides for vegetable and fruit pests once registered. Rice and grain storage operators could evaluate stored-grain pest control. Research institutes could explore joint trials on tropical pests.

Selective peptides target pests while protecting pollinators such as bees. The products are described as non-toxic, biodegradable and residue-free. The company reports efficacy as good as or better than standard insecticides in 2023 trials. Market entry is targeted as early as 2027, which the company says is about half the usual time for synthetic products.

Synthetic chemicals hold 94% of insect control according to the company's 2024 funding announcement, while resistance and bans erode their options. Peptide-based biologicals are emerging as a new class. Southeast Asia's vegetable, fruit and stored-grain sectors face heavy insecticide reliance and residue scrutiny.

Founded in 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland, with a US base in North Carolina. Completed a $14 million Series A in September 2024 led by Forbion with FMC Ventures and Corteva Catalyst, bringing total funding to $19 million. CEO Shireen Davies and CSO Julian Dow are co-founders.