In the pipeline: protecting the honeybee Share: Share on Linkedin Share on Twitter Share on Facebook About 3 million commercial honeybee colonies in the United States contribute to pollinating more than 100 crops annually that are worth an estimated $15 billion. The parasitic Varroa destructor mite, which many beekeepers consider to be the top threat to honeybees, reproduces in hives, feeds on honeybees, and spreads disease, destroying colonies across the globe. Having acquired the rights to portions of Bayer’s topical RNA intellectual property portfolio, which include bee-health assets, we are developing our RNA-based syrup that targets reproductive Varroa mites, degrades in soil and water, is easy to use, and adds another tool for beekeepers looking for more options. 2022 trial locations Currently in field trials in several states, we submitted the product candidate for EPA approval in 2023. The data from our trials to treat Varroa mite infestation in beehives supports our progress toward commercialization. We plan to launch our Varroa destructor mite-control product in 2024.