Finding crop protection products that combine the efficacy of traditional chemicals with the environmental benefits of fully natural solutions has posed a significant challenge for the agricultural sector. However, recent advancements in biotechnology, particularly with peptides and micropeptides, are presenting promising alternatives. At the recent World AgriTech show in the UK, Thomas Laurent, co-founder and CEO of the biotech startup Micropep, emphasized the potential of micropeptides in revolutionizing crop protection. “Micropeptides have a unique value proposition, combining new modes of actions, strong efficacy in the field, great safety profile, and affordable costs for farmers,” he stated.
Micropep, which operates in both France and the US, recently completed a funding round that raised $29 million, bringing its total Series B funding to $40 million. The company is now focused on bringing its micropeptide-based crop protection products to market, alongside a newly introduced discovery platform designed to streamline the development of these solutions. Laurent describes peptides as lying between traditional chemical crop protections and biologicals, falling into a category he refers to as biochemistry. “Biochemicals are typically molecules,” he explained, noting that while they are not living organisms, they can be produced by natural organisms. Peptides are composed of natural amino acids, and their varying sequences can create different forms and functions. Micropep specializes in small peptide sequences, ranging from five to 20 amino acids, which are not only smaller than larger proteins but also made entirely from natural components that can be digested and degraded.
The agricultural industry has seen a growing interest in peptide-based solutions as the demand for reduced chemical use increases. Farmers are facing rising resistance to existing chemical solutions, which have been used repeatedly over the years. “We need new modes of action,” Laurent asserted, highlighting the importance of finding alternatives that can effectively control pathogens while minimizing environmental impact. The biodegradability of peptides positions them as a cleaner option for crop protection, effectively addressing some of the environmental concerns associated with traditional chemicals.
Peptides also present advantages over pure biological solutions, which often encounter challenges such as limited stability and transportation issues. Laurent pointed out that working with microbes involves navigating the complexities of living organisms, making it difficult to optimize their efficacy. In contrast, peptides offer a more straightforward approach. “You know exactly the compound you’re looking at, and you can optimize it,” he noted, adding that peptides typically do not suffer from issues related to UV stability or other environmental factors.
With the recent funding, Micropep plans to enhance its peptide discovery platform, Krisalix, which integrates proprietary micropeptide design algorithms with a suite of bioassays to identify new solutions efficiently. Part of the funding will also support the submission of their first biofungicide molecule to regulatory bodies, anticipated in 2026. Laurent acknowledged that navigating the regulatory landscape remains a significant hurdle for the sector. The timelines for approvals can vary widely across countries, with processes in places like Brazil taking up to 24 months and in Europe extending to as long as 44 months.
As Micropep advances its mission, Laurent recognizes the challenges posed by the fragmented agtech landscape. With over 600 chemical active ingredients available, the company aims to establish partnerships that allow access to a diverse range of farmers while keeping production costs manageable. “The only way to make that strategy successful is if your cost is low enough that you have someone else that can buy your active ingredient and formulate it,” he explained. By focusing on the active ingredient aspect of the business, Micropep seeks to carve out a path for success in a competitive and evolving market.
As the agricultural industry grapples with the dual pressures of efficacy and environmental sustainability, Micropep’s innovative approach to peptide-based crop protection could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of farming. The emphasis on biochemistry as a bridge between traditional chemicals and biologicals may well be the key to overcoming the challenges that have long plagued crop protection strategies.