Sheffield-based aquaculture biotech firm Benchmark Holdings announced it has received Marketing Authorisation (MA) from the Norwegian Medicines Agency (NoMA) for Ectosan Vet — a sea lice veterinary solution for the salmon market.

“The granting of the MA is a major milestone for Benchmark and a transformational solution for the salmon industry, supporting sustainable growth by reducing the economic and operational impact of sea lice whilst improving fish welfare and protecting the environment,” said Benchmark.

“Sea lice are one of the biggest biological challenges in salmon farming, estimated to cost producers more than US$1bn annually, and c.US$600m in Norway alone.

“Ectosan Vet will be the first sea lice veterinary medicinal treatment to be introduced to the Norwegian salmon market in over a decade.

“The final steps for commercialisation are the ratification of the MRL (Maximum Residue Limit) into Norwegian regulation and the approval of product labels by the NoMA.

“The MRL ratification into Norwegian regulation is a procedural step following EU legislation and is anticipated to complete in the next few weeks.”

Benchmark CEO Trond Williksen said: “We are pleased to have received Marketing Authorisation from the Norwegian Medicines Agency, which represents a major milestone for the company.

“It is testament to the team of scientists at Benchmark that we are able to bring the first new sea lice veterinary medicinal treatment to the Norwegian salmon market in over a decade.

“We are excited to bring this much needed solution to the salmon industry, driving sustainability through improved animal welfare and yield while protecting the environment.”