University of Delaware Study Identifies Optimal Formulation of ZIVO’s Active Ingredients for Further Testing to Mitigate Avian Influenza in Poultry

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TROY, Mich., May 06, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ZIVO Bioscience, Inc. (OTCQB: ZIVO), a pioneering biotech/agtech R&D company dedicated to developing therapeutic, medicinal and nutritional product candidates derived from proprietary algal cultures, today announced positive results from its second collaborative study with the University of Delaware evaluating the efficacy of several formulations of ZIVO’s proprietary active ingredients in mitigating the spread of Low Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (LPAI) virus among poultry.

Building upon the outcomes of the initial study, this second study aimed to assess and compare the performance of three different ZIVO formulations in both directly challenged and contact-exposed birds. The study affirmed earlier observations that ZIVO's active ingredients may positively influence LPAI transmission dynamics, while identifying the optimal formulation for further testing.

In the first arm of the study, which involved birds receiving a direct challenge with LPAI, modest positive trends were observed in viral shedding reduction among ZIVO-treated groups compared with untreated controls. While these differences did not reach statistical significance, the findings suggest potential for ZIVO's formulations to lessen disease severity.

The second arm focused on the transmission of the virus from infected birds to naïve birds. Notably, the formulation consisting of a blend of four distinct algal-derived materials demonstrated a slower and less efficient spread of the virus. One bird treated with this combination showed no signs of infection post-exposure, indicating potential protective effects.

Brian Ladman, PhD, Principal Investigator at the University of Delaware's Department of Animal and Food Sciences, commented, "Any positive trend observed in these early-stage studies is very encouraging. Delaying transmission, even by a few days, can provide significant benefits to poultry producers by allowing more time to manage high risk or at-risk flocks effectively."

"These findings resulting from rigorous testing at the University of Delaware reinforce our commitment to developing sustainable, non-antibiotic solutions for the poultry industry. The insights gained from this study show encouraging trends and identifying a superior formulation will be instrumental in guiding our future research and product optimization efforts. Given the potential impact ZIVO’s product can have on mitigating avian influenza, a widespread issue in the nation’s large poultry industry, we submitted a funding request to the State of Michigan for $5.5 million to further our research. Additionally, we are applying for a portion of the previously announced $100 million Avian Influenza Poultry Innovation Grand Challenge from the USDA," said John Payne, Chairman and CEO of ZIVO Bioscience.