PRAN RAKSHA™ is an innovative formulation containing novel long artificial chimeric stem-loop RNAs (lacsRNA) to prevent white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) infection in shrimp using targeted gene silencing technology. The proprietary novel antiviral RNA molecules were developed by a team of scientists at Karyotica Biologicals after many years of R&D and subsequent validation and scale-up. PRAN RAKSHA™ is the world’s first commercial shrimp formulation to deploy such targeted gene-silencing technology.
The entry of WSSV into shrimp is mediated by a special receptor produced by shrimp. Many other host factors assist the entry and replication of WSSV in shrimp. PRAN RAKSHA™ targets shrimp receptors and WSSV genes to prevent viral entry, replication and assembly by triggering a cascade of inhibitory lacsRNAs which can silence the targeted genes in the shrimp tissues.
PRAN RAKSHA™ is a specially designed safe and stable oral formulation to allow the efficient delivery of lacsRNA into shrimp through the feed. The innovative formulation employs safe and effective technology to enable the delivery of lacsRNA into the targeted tissue of shrimp where it prevents the entry and amplification of the virus without affecting the shrimp’s regular metabolic activity. Once delivered into the shrimp, the lacsRNA undergoes processing by a special set of enzymes and proteins resulting in small inhibitory RNAs which act as sentinels against invading WSSV. The lacsRNA forms a complex with host proteins known RNA induced silencing complex (RISC) and triggers gene silencing in a sequence specific manner to attenuate replicating viral genes and host factors that assist the virus.
Composition : Blend of novel artificial chimeric RNAs targeted to silence viral genes and viral receptors and excipients.
Form : Powder
Dosage : 3g/Kg of feed in all meals for the first four weeks after stocking and thereafter 3g/Kg of feed in the first meal of the day or as advised by Aqua Technician.
Method of application : For the desired results mix PRAN RAKSHA™ with OLIGOMAX® gel in the required dilution and coat the mixture uniformly over the feed. Dry the feed pellets for 15-20 minutes in shade before feeding.