Benchmark given variation to marketing authorisation in Norway

Aquaculture biotechnology company Benchmark has been granted a variation to its marketing authorisation for ‘Ectosan Vet’ from the Norwegian Medicines Agency, it announced on Tuesday.

The AIM-traded firm said the variation would enable the re-use of the treatment water for a second batch of fish, subject to water quality being maintained “to the satisfaction of the prescribing veterinarian”, increasing the efficiency of treatments.

It said that would allow a producer to treat a salmon farm more efficiently and drive sustainability in the industry.

The company said the variation to the marketing authorisation represented a “further important step” towards its goal of optimising the efficiency of its sea lice solution, and further trials were ongoing to support multiple re-use of treatment water.

“We are very pleased to have been granted a variation to the marketing authorisation from the Norwegian Medicines Agency,” said chief executive officer Trond Williksen.

“This represents an important milestone for the Company and for the industry.”

Trond Williksen said Ectosan Vet and ‘CleanTreat’ were “much-needed” solutions for the industry.

“It is the first medicinal solution brought to the Norwegian market in over 10 years, which addresses one of the biggest challenges in salmon production, while improving animal welfare, reducing mortality and protecting the environment.”

At 0900 BST, shares in Benchmark Holdings were up 3.19% at 46.44p.