GreenLight Biosciences Launches Norroa, the First RNA-Based Treatment for Varroa Mites

GreenLight Biosciences Launches Norroa, the First RNA-Based Treatment for Varroa Mites, Offering New Hope Amid Record Bee Losses

EPA registration paves the way for beekeepers to combat a critical threat to pollinator health

Boston, Mass., September 25, 2025 – GreenLight Biosciences ("the Company" or "GreenLight Bio") today announced the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) registration of Norroa^TM, the first-ever nature-based treatment specifically designed to combat varroa mites, the leading threat to honey bee colonies. This groundbreaking innovation provides beekeepers with a powerful new tool proven to protect these pollinators, which are critical to U.S. agriculture.  

The registration comes at a challenging time for pollinators and the broader agricultural ecosystem. Recently analyzed data from the Honey Bee Health Coalition reveals staggering honey bee colony losses, with 1.7 million colonies lost and commercial beekeepers sustaining an average loss of 62% between June 2024 and March 2025. Underscored by USDA researchers, this alarming trend is related to the declining efficacy of existing miticides as varroa mites have developed resistance to chemical treatments once considered reliable. As mites are less controlled, they bring high virus loads into colonies, leading to loss. Experts warn of ripple effects that could disrupt food production, drive up farmer costs, and threaten the survival of commercial beekeeping operations. Entomologists at Washington State University project colony losses could rise to 70% in 2025 without substantive action.

Media Contact: Kendra Guerrero, kendra.guerrero@fgsglobal.com

Full press release here

Visit norroa.com for more information on the product and how to buy it.