Helaina, a biotechnology company focused on human equivalent bioactive proteins, has announced a $45 million Series B funding round bringing the company’s total equity funding to $83 million. Avidity Partners led the round, with participation from Spark Capital, Ingeborg Investments, Tom Williams of Heron Rock, Barrel Ventures, Siam Capital, Relish Works, CF Private Equity, and Primary Venture Partners, among others.
The funding will now be used to scale the availability of effera Human Lactoferrin, Helaina’s novel ingredient designed to support women’s health, active nutrition, and healthy aging. Lactoferrin is a protein naturally found in human milk and other bodily fluids, known for its various health benefits. effera is a bioengineered version of this protein, produced using precision fermentation technology.
Precision fermentation is a process that uses genetically engineered microorganisms to produce specific proteins. This method allows for the creation of proteins identical to those found in nature, but without the need for animal-derived sources. In Helaina’s case, this technology enables the production of human-equivalent lactoferrin in a scalable and sustainable manner.
effera supports three key areas of health:
- Iron homeostasis and metabolism: Lactoferrin helps regulate iron absorption and distribution in the body, which is crucial for maintaining healthy iron levels.
- Balanced immune response: The protein has immunomodulatory properties, meaning it can help regulate the immune system’s response to various challenges.
- Beneficial microbiome: Lactoferrin promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria while inhibiting harmful pathogens, contributing to overall gut health.
Laura Katz, CEO and Founder of Helaina, stated: “This infusion of new capital marks the next phase of growth for Helaina in which we are accelerating the availability of our first ingredient through new partnerships – the result of years of work to drive innovation and scientific rigor within nutrition. At this pivotal moment in our company’s journey, we’re proud to partner with Avidity Partners, an investment firm with an outstanding reputation for supporting best-in-class biotechnology companies rooted in clinically-backed science.”
effera will soon be available in consumer products from Kroma Wellness, The Feed, Levelle Nutrition, and Healthgevity. Mitsubishi International Food Ingredients, inc. will serve as a distributor.
Helaina reports that clinical and pre-clinical research indicates effera may be more effective than bovine lactoferrin. Bovine lactoferrin, derived from cow’s milk, has been used in nutritional supplements for years. However, human-equivalent lactoferrin, like effera, may offer improved biocompatibility and efficacy due to its closer match to the human protein. A study supporting these findings is expected to be published in a peer-reviewed journal soon, which will provide independent validation of the product’s effectiveness.
Jacob Garfield, Managing Director at Avidity Partners, commented: “We are thrilled to support Helaina’s innovative approach to nutrition, which aligns with pressing health and wellness priorities, from immune system support to fostering a balanced gut microbiome. We are confident that Helaina’s technology and business model are well positioned to meet the growing demand for high quality nutritional ingredients that promote vitality across all age groups.”
Founded in 2019 by food scientist Laura Katz, Helaina aims to leverage precision fermentation for nutrition. The company’s technology platform supports a bioactive protein pipeline, which means they have the potential to develop other human-equivalent proteins for nutritional use in the future. This approach could lead to more effective and tailored nutritional products across various health applications.
Future plans include the launch of infant formula in partnership with formula manufacturers. This application is particularly noteworthy because human-equivalent proteins could potentially make formula more closely resemble human breast milk, offering significant benefits for infant nutrition.
