ASFBIOF01-02

The ASFBIOF01-02 molecule is a biochemical peptide used as a biofungicide in agriculture, developed by the company Biotalys NV. It is an antigen-binding fragment of an antibody (known as a nanobody or VHH), designed to combat fungal pathogens in high-value crops such as fruits and vegetables.

Synonymous: Evoca (commercial product brand)

Gross formula: C577H905N169O177S4 (corresponds to a protein sequence of approximately 120 amino acids, produced by recombinant fermentation in Shepherd's figs)

Chemical class: biochemical polypeptide (class: biochemical pesticide; subcategory: protein biofungicide; specifically, a nanobody or VHH - camelide antibody variable heavy chain domain).

Development history

Biotalys NV was founded in 2013 as a spin-off from VIB (Flanders Institute of Biotechnology, Belgium), focusing on protein solutions for pest control via the Agrobody platform.

ASFBIOF01-02 is part of the company's biofungicide pipeline, being the first of its kind (protein-based) to seek approval in the US.

Regulatory petition (PP 1F8895) submitted to the EPA in 2021 for tolerance exemption and registration under FIFRA Section 3; announced in the Federal Register on March 22, 2021, no comments received.

In September 2025, it was included in an evaluation by the ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) as "Agrobody anti-fungal VHH".

Proposed registration decision by the EPA on October 30, 2025, with assigned FRAC code F10, recognizing its novel mode of action against fungicide resistance. The Evoca version is for pre- and post-harvest use in fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals; Evoca NG (next generation, with improved formulation) is proceeding to accelerated regulatory submission.

Mode of action

A broad-spectrum preventive contact fungicide that recognizes specific components in the cell membrane of pathogenic fungi (Botrytis cinerea, for example).

The peptide binds to the fungal membrane, disrupting its integrity and causing cell lysis (rupture) and death of the fungus.

It does not affect beneficial organisms or the environment; it is rapidly degradable (through biodegradation, photodegradation, and hydrolysis); it has a new mode of action (FRAC F10), ideal for managing resistance to existing chemical fungicides.

Applicable in pre-harvest (leaves and fruits) and post-harvest (storage), with no toxic residues or need for maximum residue limits (MRLs).