Company commercializes human lactoferrin product as multiple players seek to capitalize on consumer demand for protein linked to healthy aging.
New York-based biotech Helaina has announced the successful completion of a $45 million Series B funding round, bringing its total equity funding to $83 million. The capital will be used to scale the commercialization of the company’s flagship product, effera Human Lactoferrin, a novel bioactive protein designed to support women’s health, active nutrition and healthy aging.
Helaina’s effera is developed to replicate the properties of human lactoferrin, a protein naturally found in high concentrations in human colostrum and known for its multiple health benefits, including immune support, cognitive enhancement and gut health. Lactoferrin is considered vital for maintaining a healthy immune system, optimizing iron use,and supporting a balanced gut microbiome. It has also shown potential anti-aging effects through its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-senescence properties.
Bovine lactoferrin, sourced from cow’s colostrum, has gained popularity in recent years, and food technology company De Novo Foodlabs recently secured funding for its precision-fermented approach to producing the protein. Helaina claims human lactoferrin offers a bioidentical alternative, with its clinical and pre-clinical research suggesting it is more effective and has lower allergenicity compared to its bovine counterpart.
Founded in 2019 by food scientist Laura Katz, Helaina is on a mission to improve nutrition standards through the use of human-equivalent bioactive proteins.
“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,” said Katz.
The company leverages a precision fermentation platform to produce effera at scale, and aims to make human lactoferrin accessible for use in various functional foods, beverages and supplements. Helaina says its expansion will be facilitated through partnerships with consumer brands and distribution through companies like Mitsubishi International Food Ingredients to broaden the market for scientifically-backed nutritional ingredients.
According to Helaina, the funding will not only support the production of effera but also drive the development of new products targeting different age groups and health needs. The company says its technology platform underpins a broader pipeline of bioactive proteins intended to enhance human healthspan.
The funding round was led by Avidity Partners and included contributions from Spark Capital, Ingeborg Investments, Tom Williams of Heron Rock, Barrel Ventures, Siam Capital, Relish Works, CF Private Equity and Primary Venture Partners, along with other strategic partners.
“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,” said Avidity’s Jacob Garfield.
