Beeologics

Beeologics was an agricultural technology firm established in 2007, dedicated to improving honey bee health and addressing the global challenge of Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). The company was founded by CEO Eyal Ben-Chanoch, CTO Nitzan Paldi, and EVP of Business Development Dr. Gal Yarden. One of the scientific co-founders, Dr. Eyal Maori, established the company based on his Ph.D. findings in applied genomics, RNAi, and molecular virology. His academic research at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem focused on host-virus interactions and pest resistance mechanisms in honey bees, which formed the scientific bedrock of the company.

The firm operated in the agriculture and food technologies sector, concentrating on the development of biological solutions to protect bee colonies from pests and diseases. Beeologics pioneered the use of RNA interference (RNAi) technology, a naturally occurring process that can silence specific genes. The company's main product candidate, Remebee, was developed to combat the Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus (IAPV), a pathogen strongly associated with CCD. This product was designed to be ingested by bee larvae through a sugar water solution, triggering a self-destruct mechanism in targeted pathogens like the Varroa mite without harming the bees themselves. The business model centered on researching, developing, and commercializing these RNAi-based products for beekeepers and the broader agricultural industry that relies on bee pollination.

In a significant milestone, Beeologics was acquired by Monsanto Company in September 2011 for an undisclosed amount. Monsanto aimed to leverage Beeologics' RNAi technology for broader applications in its agricultural product pipeline, while continuing to support Beeologics' mission to promote bee health. Following the acquisition, Beeologics operated as a subsidiary, with offices and labs in both Rehovot, Israel, and Florida, USA. The technology developed by Beeologics was later sold by Bayer (which acquired Monsanto) to GreenLight Biosciences.

Keywords: Beeologics, honey bee health, Colony Collapse Disorder, RNA interference, RNAi, bee pollination, agricultural technology, Varroa mite, Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus, IAPV, bee vaccines, Monsanto, Eyal Maori, Nitzan Paldi, Eyal Ben-Chanoch, apiculture, biological pest control, bee mortality, sustainable agriculture, crop pollination, GreenLight Biosciences, Remebee, bee diseases, genetic solutions