US biotech start-up Helaina has raised $45 million in a Series B funding round led by investment firm Avidity Partners.

The round also saw 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 other investors and strategic partners.

Helaina uses precision fermentation to create human-like proteins for food, such as proteins found in human breast milk, which it uses to create a new type of infant formula.

The biotech firm will use the new funding to scale the availability of its effera human lactoferrin, a novel ingredient that can support women’s health, active nutrition and healthy ageing. The firm says effera is 'the first and only’ human equivalent bioactive protein for nutrition to be used in functional foods, beverages and supplements.

Effera supports iron homeostasis and metabolism, a balanced immune response and promotes a beneficial microbiome.

Helaina sells its effera ingredient to consumer brands and through strategic distribution partners and has plans to launch it into several consumer products, including from Kroma Wellness, The Feed, Levelle Nutrition, Healthgevity and Mitsubishi International Food Ingredients.

Laura Katz, CEO and founder of Helaina, said: “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.”

Jacob Garfield, managing director at Avidity Partners, added: “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.”

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