Providing innovative RNAi-based solutions for cat owners suffering from allergies — improving their quality of life and redefining pet companionship.
Learn MoreAround 10–20% of adults worldwide are estimated to be allergic to cats (Pet Allergy, Allergy, 2018). We aim to address this challenge by reducing allergen production at its molecular source through RNA interference (RNAi) technology. FeliSilence envisions a world where people and cats can share the same space freely — without allergy barriers.
Our target users are cat-owning families affected by allergies. Based on public studies and our own survey (n = 703), approximately 30% of cat-owning households include at least one allergic member. Yet 40% of diagnosed individuals continue to live with cats, and 80-85% said they would never give up their pets despite medical advice. This demonstrates a powerful emotional and scientific unmet need — one that drives our mission to develop a gentle, gene-silencing-based intervention for both humans and their feline companions.
To estimate the potential market size, we used the formula:
TAM = Number of Cat-Owning Households × Cat Allergy Rate × Annual Pet-Care & Allergy Spending per Household
This represents the Total Addressable Market (TAM) — the maximum theoretical value of households globally that face cat allergy challenges.
For a realistic entry-stage estimate, we consider a 1% initial adoption (≈ ¥14.4 billion), representing the Serviceable Obtainable Market (SOM).
Sources: Statista (2023); Euromonitor Pet Care Outlook (2023); FeliSilence HP survey (2024). All monetary values are expressed in Chinese Yuan (RMB).
Basic Pet Care Cost: The average annual spending per U.S. cat owner is about $1,149 (≈ ¥8,000), including food, litter, and routine veterinary care (APPA Pet Industry Market Size & Ownership Statistics, 2023).
Allergy Management Cost: Among cat-allergic households, additional yearly expenses range from $1,000–2,000 (≈ ¥7,000–14,000), covering medication, immunotherapy, HEPA filters, and frequent cleaning. (ECARF, 2023; FeliSilence HP survey, 2024)
This data supports our earlier assumption of ≈ ¥12,000 median annual spending per household when both general pet care and allergy management are considered.
| Market Type | Expected Penetration (Year 1) | Assumptions |
|---|---|---|
| Premium / Veterinary-Endorsed Market | 2-5% | Consumers willing to pay premium; trusted recommendations & promotion |
| Mainstream Premium Market | 1-3% | 20–50 % higher than regular cat food; acceptance depends on awareness & education |
| Mass Consumer Market | <1% | Limited awareness or price sensitivity significantly reduces uptake |
RNA interference (RNAi) — the 2006 Nobel Prize-winning discovery — uses small interfering RNAs (siRNA) or short hairpin RNAs (shRNA) to selectively silence target genes. FeliSilence applies this mechanism to downregulate feline allergen genes (such as Fel d 1 and Fel d 4), thereby reducing allergen protein production at its biological source.
Our next milestone focuses on targeted delivery — translating validated RNAi sequences into real-world formulations that can reach key feline tissues (salivary, sebaceous, and lacrimal glands) to achieve long-lasting allergen reduction with minimal dosing frequency.
| Technology / Approach | Root-Cause Resolution | Safety | Regulatory Pathway | User Acceptance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RNAi Technology (Our Project) | ✓ Addresses root cause | ✓ Does not alter DNA, reversible effect | ✓ Established approval pathway | ✓ Low ethical concern |
| CRISPR Gene Editing | ✓ Addresses root cause | ✗ Permanently alters DNA | ✗ Long and complex approval (15–20 years) | ✗ High ethical concern |
| Cat Antibody Therapy | ✗ Symptom relief only | ✓ Relatively safe | ⚠ Early-stage veterinary trials | ⚠ Limited accessibility |
| Cat Vaccines (Desensitization) | ⚠ Partial root suppression | ⚠ May trigger immune response | ⚠ Complex regulatory review | ⚠ Moderate acceptance |
| Air Purifiers / Vacuum Cleaning | ✗ Does not address the source | ✓ Safe | ✓ Established commercial market | ✓ Widely accepted |
| Hypoallergenic Cat Food (IgY-Based) | ⚠ Neutralizes existing allergens | ✓ Safe | ✓ Market-approved product | ✓ Moderately accepted |
| Human Anti-Allergy Drugs (Antihistamines, Corticosteroids) | ✗ Symptom relief only | ⚠ Possible side effects | ✓ Approved human pharmaceuticals | ✓ Familiar, but poor long-term compliance |
RNAi technology does not alter genomic DNA and acts reversibly, reducing both ethical concerns and regulatory risks.
A single or low-frequency dose can achieve long-term effects, significantly improving user experience and compliance.
Patent applications for siRNA sequence designs have already been filed.The next stage will focus on delivery system optimization and associated patent protection.
Complete targeted delivery optimization and formulation exploration (spray/oral/low-frequency dosing); file core patent applications and initiate regulatory pre-communication (MARA/FDA-CVM/EMA).
Conduct proof-of-concept tests on ex vivo / organoid models and tissue-targeting systems; confirm the lead formulation and establish small-scale GMP pilot production with stability validation.
Prepare and submit regulatory documentation; initiate pilot collaboration with pet-food and veterinary partners for market validation. If required by regulators, plan for animal safety / efficacy studies.
Achieve scale-up manufacturing; expand product lines (injectable + functional cat food/oral additives); strengthen the intellectual property portfolio.
Complete major market registrations and enter overseas markets; explore translational potential for human allergy therapeutics.
Amount: ¥3 million RMB (2025H1–2026H2)
Goal: Complete in-vitro siRNA validation, establish initial yeast-based delivery system, and file core patents.
Amount: ¥5–8 million RMB (2027H1–2028H1)
Goal: Conduct preclinical safety and efficacy evaluation (ex vivo/organoid), finalize lead formulation and stability data.
Amount: ¥10–20 million RMB (2029H1–2030H2)
Goal: Scale-up manufacturing and expand into international markets.
| Category | Amount (10k RMB) | Share | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| R&D Expenses | 210 | 70% | siRNA design and synthesis, in-vitro transfection experiments. |
| Personnel | 45 | 15% | Build a core scientific team (5–7 researchers). |
| Cell & Tissue Models | 15 | 5% | Maintenance of feline-derived cells and organoid cultures for ex vivo validation. |
| Basic Equipment | 15 | 5% | Cell incubator, fluorescence microscope, and analytical devices. |
| Operations & IP | 15 | 5% | Company registration, patent filing, and administrative costs. |
| Year | Market Penetration | Paying Users (10k) | Annual Spending (¥/User) | Estimated Revenue (¥ Billion) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launch Year | 0.5% | 60 | 1,000 | 0.60 |
| Year 2 | 1–3% | 120–360 | 1,000 | 1.2–3.6 |
| Year 3 | 5–10% | 600–1,200 | 1,000 | 6.0–12.0 |
| Year 4–5 | 10–20% | 1,200–2,400 | 1,000 | 12.0–24.0 |
“Focus on high-need severe allergy cases and strengthen credibility through clear scientific milestones. Align funding rhythm with each experimental stage — from in-vitro validation to formulation and registration.”
Mr. Liu Chengmin, former Senior Vice President of Tencent
“High-school teams need professional advisors for stronger execution. Build partnerships with universities for animal studies and keep early-stage financing scale conservative.”
Mr. Xu Jingsong, secondary market investor with long-term interest in biotech equity
“Avoid broad ‘pet market’ assumptions — focus on severe allergy users. Explore transdermal or oral-spray delivery as transitional paths and include real precedents of approved RNA drugs in public communication.”
Vice President at Hillhouse Capital, specializing in Synthetic Biology investments
Our project, FeliSilence, aims to translate RNA interference (RNAi) from a laboratory discovery into a real-world biotechnology platform for millions of families living with cat allergies. We are committed to building not only scientific credibility but also a viable commercialization roadmap — one that integrates customer needs, technical feasibility, and long-term societal value.
Through our Human Practices journey, we connected ethical reflection with entrepreneurship: turning user interviews, survey data, and investor insights into actionable business design decisions.
Cat allergy is a widespread yet unresolved problem. Globally, about 10–20% of adults are allergic to cats [1]. In our own survey (n = 703, 2025), 30% of cat-owning households reported at least one allergic member. Despite medical advice, 84% of allergic owners continue to live with their cats — a reflection of the deep emotional bond between people and their pets.
Most existing solutions (antihistamines, hypoallergenic food, HEPA filters, vaccines) only manage symptoms rather than addressing the source of allergen production. They require continuous use, have poor compliance, and fail to restore natural intimacy between owners and their cats.
A safe, reversible, and low-frequency RNAi-based solution that reduces allergen production at the molecular source could fundamentally improve the quality of life for millions of families.
FeliSilence harnesses RNAi to safely downregulate key cat allergen genes — Fel d 1, Fel d 4, and Fel d 7 [2]. The mechanism involves siRNA/shRNA guiding the RISC complex to degrade allergen mRNA, reducing protein expression. Our MVP focuses first on a yeast-based feed additive formulation, while spray and long-acting injectable (LAI) forms are considered for future development. Unlike symptom-managing products, our approach targets the allergen at its biological source.
The IP portfolio covers three layers: (1) siRNA/shRNA sequences targeting Fel d 1/4/7; (2) yeast-based delivery vectors optimized for feline salivary glands; (3) stability formulations (encapsulation, lyophilization). We have initiated patent filing for the tested shRNA design sequences that demonstrated significant silencing efficiency in vitro. PCT filings are being prepared across CN, US, EU, and JP.
Compared with antibody-based cat food [5], desensitization therapy, gene-edited cats, or environmental sprays, RNAi stands out for reversible, root-cause suppression with a clear ethical advantage. Current solutions vs. RNAi: antihistamines (symptomatic, potential side effects), hypoallergenic food (limited effectiveness, repeated consumption), vaccines (promising yet invasive and expensive), RNAi (root-cause targeting, molecularly precise).
Our Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is a yeast-based GFP RNAi reporter system [4] that screens allergen-targeting shRNAs safely and efficiently. It provides quantifiable RNAi efficacy (>60% fluorescence reduction in yeast-GFP reporter assays) before any animal use, proving feasibility and creating a reusable validation platform for other iGEM teams under CC BY-SA license.
Compared with antibody-based cat food, desensitization therapy, gene-edited cats, or environmental sprays, FeliSilence stands out for its reversible, root-cause suppression with a clear ethical advantage.
From our HP survey (n = 703, July 2025): 64.9% showed clear or potential allergy risk, 48.0% expressed interest in allergen-reducing technologies, and 54.9% were willing to try RNAi-based solutions if cat safety was ensured. A 30–40% price premium was acceptable among users and pet companies, mainly justified by reduced medication frequency and improved cat comfort. These findings shaped our pricing and outreach strategy, confirming real demand and willingness to pay [6].
Seed Round (¥3M, 2025–2026): Complete in vitro RNAi validation, initiate feline cell safety assays, and file core patents; uses include siRNA screening, delivery optimization, and preliminary formulation development.
Angel Round (¥5–8M, 2027–2028): Complete preclinical safety and efficacy validation; determine lead formulation (feed additive or spray); expand collaborations with veterinary labs/universities; establish a pilot GMP facility.
Series A (¥10–20M, 2029–2030): Achieve large-scale manufacturing and prepare international market entry; tasks include registration in major markets (CN/US/EU), production expansion, and marketing launch.
Exit Strategy: IPO (Hong Kong/NASDAQ) or acquisition by multinational animal-health or pet-food companies.
Through our Human Practices journey, three professional investors provided feedback that shaped our roadmap and financing strategy (Sept 2025):
Their feedback validated our staged financing strategy and highlighted strong investor interest in a scientifically grounded, socially responsible RNAi venture.
China: aligns with MARA New Veterinary Drug Registration; U.S.: fits FDA-CVM Guidance #187 (nucleic acid–based veterinary drugs); EU: dialog initiated for non–gene editing classification. An internal Ethics & Safety Advisory Board (veterinary + bioethics experts) oversees all development stages, ensuring alignment with the 3Rs principle and animal welfare standards.
Our long-term goal is a modular, cross-species RNAi platform (cats → dogs → humans), addressing shared allergen pathways such as Can f 1 and Der p 1, ultimately establishing a comprehensive “No-Allergy Companion” ecosystem.
FeliSilence merges rigorous science, milestone-driven engineering, and human-centered design. By integrating real-world user evidence, professional investor input, and experimental validation, our project closes the loop between scientific feasibility and market reality. This represents not just a successful iGEM effort but a pioneering model of socially responsible biotechnology — proving that innovation can serve both people and animals.
To ensure transparency and accessibility, we provide both English and Chinese versions of our official Business Plan (BP) for FeliSilence. These documents summarize our technical roadmap, commercialization milestones, market analysis, and financial structure. Both versions are synchronized and updated as of October 2025.
Filename: FeliSilence_BP_CN.pdf
This document provides an overview of market insights, RNAi technology principles, competitive analysis,
funding strategy, and exit plans — tailored for Chinese-speaking reviewers and investors.
Filename: FeliSilence_BP_EN.pdf
This document contains the full technical and business strategy for the FeliSilence project,
including RNAi-based innovation, IP roadmap, financial projections, and regulatory pathways.
It serves as the official submission for the iGEM Entrepreneurship track.
Note: Both files are provided for academic and review purposes under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA license. Commercial redistribution is not permitted.