Emergency access to bioinsecticide again granted to trio of countries

Italy, Greece and Cyprus have for the second time granted farmers emergency access to Vestaron’s novel bioinsecticide SPEAR LEP to help protect tomato crops from tomato leafminer.

Initial emergency use authorizations (EUAs) were granted in 2024 by all three governments as growers in the EU face tight restrictions on the use of traditional chemical products.

Vestaron is working with grower groups in several additional countries to secure EUAs, according to a news release.

Growers granted EUAs will have access to SPEAR LEP for 120 days. The product targets lepidopteran pests, including tomato leafminer, armyworm, codling moth, European grapevine moth and other caterpillar species while maintaining a low toxicity profile for mammals, vertebrates, pollinators and other beneficial insects, according to Vestaron.

“Achieving a second series of emergency use authorizations underscores Vestaron’s position as a world leader in the development and commercialization of desperately needed novel solutions to help growers sustainably protect our food crops,” Juan Estupinan, Vestaron CEO and president, said in the release. “Our proprietary technology platform is harnessing the power of peptides to produce a robust pipeline of highly effective tools that will shape the next era of crop protection.

“We continue to work with the European Commission toward full approval of our ready-now solution and prepare for the rollout of additional bioinsecticide active ingredients in the near future.”

In studies conducted in Italy and other European countries, SPEAR LEP demonstrated efficacy against the target pest under both open-field and protected conditions, including in populations that may be resistant to other commonly used insecticides, according to the company.

In 2023, Vestaron became the first U.S. company to receive the European Bee Award, given by the European Landowners’ Organization in recognition of technological solutions reducing impact on pollinators.

“ELO welcomes the proactive steps taken by Italy, Greece and Cyprus to support tomato growers in addressing urgent pest challenges,” said Jurgen Tack, secretary-general of the European Landowners’ Organization. “However, emergency authorizations remain a short-term solution and highlight the broader need for a more predictable and efficient regulatory framework for biocontrol products across the EU.

“European farmers must have timely access to innovative, sustainable solutions for all crops, and not just under emergency conditions.”

SPEAR LEP has been in use in the U.S. since 2020, with subsequent approvals in Mexico and Canada, and has been submitted for full approval in Europe, according to the release. Based on naturally occurring peptides found in spider venom and produced using natural fermentation, SPEAR LEP has a unique mode of action (IRAC group 32) with no known resistance or cross-resistance with other synthetic pesticides.