AquaNab Raises Funding to Combat Salmon’s $4 Billion Sea Lice Problem with Alpaca Nanoantibodies
AquaNab aims to tackle sea lice infestations in salmon farms using nanoantibodies derived from alpacas, delivered through feed. This innovative approach offers a gentler alternative to traditional chemical baths and mechanical delousing methods, which are costly and detrimental to fish welfare.
August 11, 2026 – 7:47 am
Hamburg-based biotech startup AquaNab is making waves in the aquaculture industry with its unique solution to a significant problem. Sea lice, a persistent pest in salmon farming, cause billions of dollars in annual losses due to treatment costs, reduced production, and fish mortalities, estimated by AquaNab at approximately $4 billion.
Current solutions involve chemical baths and mechanical delousing, both of which are expensive and stressful for the fish, raising concerns among regulators about chemical runoff and animal welfare.
AquaNab’s breakthrough lies in utilizing nanoantibodies, tiny antibodies produced by camelids like alpacas. The company has developed a method to deliver these nanoantibodies orally through fish feed, marking the first time such a delivery system has been used successfully.
This innovative approach ensures that the antibodies survive the gut journey, cross the intestinal barrier, and enter the bloodstream without the adverse effects of traditional treatments.
The science behind AquaNab is impressive. Dr. Alejandro Rojas, the startup’s Chief Scientific Officer, was a pioneer in developing nanobodies against SARS-CoV-2. Dr. Ruth Tamara Montero, the CEO, is a renowned fish immunologist with expertise from Germany’s Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut.
Montero emphasizes the potential of their technology: "Right now, producers are stuck between costly and stressful treatments and losses from the parasite itself. AquaNab offers a way out of this cycle."
AquaNab’s first product targets Atlantic salmon, but its founders envision a broader application. They believe their platform could be adapted to combat bacterial, viral, and parasitic diseases across various farmed species.
Investors have recognized the potential, with Nordic Foodtech VC, a Finnish investment firm, providing an undisclosed amount of funding. This investment is significant as it represents the firm’s first venture outside the Nordic region, demonstrating confidence in AquaNab’s technology.
Mika Kukkurainen, a partner at Nordic Foodtech VC, highlights the broader implications: "The idea could extend beyond sea lice, offering feed-based nanoantibody solutions for various health and resilience challenges across food production."
This investment aligns with a growing trend towards natural alternatives in agriculture and aquaculture. Startups are increasingly exploring biological solutions to replace harsh chemicals, with AquaNab leading the way in underwater biotechnology.
The industry is witnessing a wave of innovation, from blockchain technology for salmon tracking to insect-based feed, all aimed at making aquaculture more sustainable. The ultimate goal remains consistent: feeding a growing global population while minimizing environmental and animal impact.