Advancing Sustainable Pest Control Through Genetic Innovation
Agragene is pioneering a new approach to crop protection through its exclusive license to Precision-Guided Sterile Insect Technology™ (pgSIT™) for worldwide use across all crops and crop-damaging insects. This breakthrough technology leverages gene editing to produce sterile male pests that, when released into the environment, compete to mate with females—resulting in fewer offspring and the natural suppression of harmful pest populations.
Agragene’s first product, KNOCKOUT-SWD™, targets Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD), a destructive pest that impacts soft-skinned fruits and contributes to more than $500 million in annual berry crop losses in the United States alone. By offering a highly targeted, environmentally sustainable solution, Agragene is helping reshape the future of pest management in agriculture.
Agragene Highlights
Agragene has made significant progress in advancing its technology toward commercialization and industry adoption. The company has submitted a regulatory package for KNOCKOUT-SWD™ to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), positioning the product for potential commercial launch in 2027.
Agragene has successfully scaled its manufacturing capabilities and tested its field delivery systems in collaboration with leading partners in the berry industry, demonstrating both feasibility and real-world application. To support future growth and distribution, the company has also established partnerships with contract insectaries, enabling efficient production and deployment of its technology at scale.
BioGenerator’s Role in Agragene’s Success
BioGenerator played a critical role in Agragene’s transition to and growth within St. Louis. Entrepreneur in Residence Martha Schlicher helped facilitate the company’s move by supporting the recruitment of management talent and securing essential facilities.
BioGenerator made its initial investment as Agragene relocated to St. Louis and has continued to support the company through follow-on investments, reinforcing its long-term commitment to Agragene’s success. In addition, Jim McCarter, Senior Managing Director of BioGenerator Ventures, serves on the company’s board, providing ongoing strategic guidance.
Through a combination of capital, leadership support, and ecosystem connections, BioGenerator has helped position Agragene to advance its innovative pest control solutions and scale toward commercialization
"Honestly, without BioGenerator’s early support, Agragene may not exist as it does today. They supported us with space, equipment, people, and introductions when it really mattered, and that made all the difference. BioGenerator is more than an investor…they are the ecosystem that helped us grow, connect with the right people, and enabled us to hit milestones that kept Agragene moving forward."
Bryan Witherbee, CEO, Agragene
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