Helaina launches precision fermented human lactoferrin equivalent

Helaina (New York) has launched an ingredient called effera, which it claims is the first human lactoferrin equivalent manufactured using precision fermentation. Effera is fermented from the yeast strain Komagataella phaffii, and replicates an equivalent protein to lactoferrin found in human colostrum and maternal milk. New pre-clinical and clinical data demonstrates the ingredient’s bioavailability, safety, and similar profile human lactoferrin, states the company in an announcement.

A randomized, placebo-controlled trial that is currently available as a pre-print, and has not yet been peer-reviewed shows that after 28 days of supplementation effera was safe and had a lower immunogenic response from participants, compared to bovine lactoferrin. A different study published in Nutrients¹ also found that the intact protein retention and peptide release profiles of effera were comparable to human lactoferrin. These studies support the use of the ingredient as an alternative to bovine lactoferrinto support innate and adaptive immunity, as well as the body’s inflammatory response. Additionally, Helaina points out in its announcement that lactoferrin optimizes iron levels which can initiate a range of functional properties, such as fueling cellular energy and oxygen to the muscles.

“We are starting to see with real clinical evidence and science-backed research that human proteins can outperform bovine milk protein, opening a new world where our nutrients can do more for us,” said Laura Katz, founder and CEO of Helaina, in a press release. “This exciting new discovery fosters our goal of developing a portfolio of advanced human bioactive proteins that address real health needs and new possibilities in nutrition science.”

Watch our recent interview with Helaina from SupplySide East.

Reference

Kim, B.J.; Kuhfield, R.F.; Haas, J.L.; Anaya, Y.M.; Martinez, R.R.; Sah, B.N.P.; Breen, B.; Newsham, K.; Malinczak, C.A.; Dallas, D.C. Digestive Profiles of Human Milk, Recombinant Human and Bovine Lactoferrin: Comparing the Retained Intact Protein and Peptide Release. Nutrients. 2024, 16 (14), 2360. DOI: 10.3390/nu16142360