Story of Helaina: Biotech Startup producing Human Milk Proteins via Precision Fermentation
Story of Helaina:
Helaina is a biotechnology startup founded in 2019 by Laura
Katz, a food scientist. She serves as the CEO and leads the company in
developing human milk proteins using precision fermentation.
Mission and Vision
The company’s mission is to produce human-equivalent
bioactive proteins that closely mimic those found in breast milk. Helaina aims
to improve infant nutrition and expand these proteins for broader health
applications in the future.
Inspiration Behind Helaina
The idea for Helaina came to Katz while listening to a
podcast on the New York City subway about black-market breast milk. She
realized that human bioactive compounds could be scaled to benefit all stages
of life, not just infants.
Story of Helaina: Biotech Startup producing Human Milk Proteins via Precision Fermentation#statup#AI story#entrepreneur#net worth#investor#Helaina
Technology Platform
Helaina uses precision fermentation, programming yeast cells
to produce proteins that are 99% identical to human milk. This innovative
approach allows the creation of functional components outside the human body.
First Product Focus
The company’s initial focus is on developing a humanized
infant formula containing effera™, Helaina’s human lactoferrin. The protein
aims to provide immune and nutritional benefits similar to natural breast milk.
From Lab to Commercialization
Helaina began by analyzing scientific data to select the
most effective bioactive proteins. The team ran thousands of lab experiments to
develop the technology, followed by commercial-scale manufacturing to ensure
consistency, safety, and functionality.
Clinical Testing
In 2023, Helaina conducted its first clinical study to
verify the safety of effera™ for adults. This step was crucial to confirm the
product’s quality and efficacy before expanding its applications.
Future Expansion
Beyond infant formula, Helaina plans to use its technology
to create bioactive proteins for other consumer products. The goal is to
establish a new category of nutrients that can support human healthspan across
all ages.
Funding and Support
Helaina has raised $38 million in Series B funding from
investors including Barrel Ventures, CF Private Equity, and Relish Works. This
investment supports scaling production, product development, and clinical
research.
Global Impact and Vision
Helaina envisions a future where every baby and adult can
access human-equivalent bioactive proteins. By providing functional, natural,
and impactful nutrients, the company aims to improve nutrition, immunity, and
overall health for people worldwide.
Timeline of Helaina
- 2019
– Helaina founded by Laura Katz in New York City, inspired by the need for
scalable human milk proteins.
- 2020-2021
– Technology development and lab-scale experiments to produce bioactive
proteins via precision fermentation.
- 2022
– Commercial-scale manufacturing established to ensure quality and
replicability.
- 2023
– First clinical study conducted to confirm safety of effera™ for adults.
- 2024-2025
– Plans to expand products beyond infant formula and scale globally.
