PFerrinX—one of a flurry of startups making lactoferrin via precision fermentation—says a tech breakthrough enabling it to precisely control iron saturation levels while maintaining protein functionality will give it the edge in the market as it gears up for commercialization.
An iron-binding anti-microbial protein found in mammalian milk, lactoferrin has multiple health benefits, but has historically only been available in small quantities owing to the costs of isolating it from cow’s milk.
As a result, prices can top $650/kilo, making lactoferrin an attractive candidate for firms in precision fermentation seeking to unlock new markets beyond infant formula.
Multiple startups can now make animal-free lactoferrin with microbes instead of cows (Vivici, All G, TurtleTree, Helaina, Eclipse Ingredients, PFx Biotech, Daisy Labs, and Noumi). But it’s not all the same, claims PFerrinX, a joint venture between Earth First Food Ventures Ltd (EFFV) and De Novo Foodlabs on a mission to become “the world’s largest and lowest cost producer.”
“The iron saturation level of lactoferrin is a defining factor that dictates the protein’s specific function and interaction within the human body,” De Novo Foodlabs CSO Leah Bessa told AgFunderNews. “By mastering this variable, PFerrinX can now customize NanoFerrin™ [its branded ingredient] for distinct market sectors from ensuring the precise iron-loading required for infant formula to maximizing the antimicrobial potency needed for immunity supplements.”
The process enables the production of three distinct profiles of lactoferrin, says PFerrinX, which has secured manufacturing sites for bovine lactoferrin in the EU and Asia it says will come online in 2027 and 2029.
- Apo-lactoferrin (0% iron saturation): Iron-free lactoferrin for immunity, gut health, cosmetics, and oral care. In its apo state, lactoferrin acts like a “hungry sponge” with a high affinity for binding free iron. This effectively starves harmful bacteria and fungi that rely on iron to survive, while simultaneously acting as an antioxidant. It can also reduce skin inflammation and acne and functions as a prebiotic, claims the firm.
“In cosmetics and personal care, the availability of iron-free lactoferrin offers a unique advantage,” added De Novo Foodlabs CEO Jean Louwrens. “It acts as a powerful antioxidant for skin health while eliminating the risk of iron-induced oxidation and discoloration in topical formulations.”
For the dietary supplement market, efficacy is strictly dictated by the protein’s state, he said. “Immunity brands can now guarantee the potent, iron-scavenging power of pure apo-lactoferrin, avoiding the reduced antimicrobial activity seen in generic, undefined mixtures.”
- Native lactoferrin (~10% iron saturation): The industry standard for infant nutrition and nutritional applications based on the typical iron content of lactoferrin found in bovine milk, without the batch-to-batch variability inherent in animal-derived supplies.
- Holo-lactoferrin (100% iron saturation): A gentle, high-bioavailability iron delivery system, offering an alternative to traditional iron supplements that can cause digestive distress.
Tuning iron saturation while maintaining protein functionality
Molecular farming firm Alpine Bio*—which engineers soybeans to produce lactoferrin—says it can offer products with different levels of iron saturation.
However, the “challenge is managing iron saturation in lactoferrin produced by microorganisms without damaging the protein and maintaining functionality,” claimed Louwrens.
“We have data that shows our process results in lactoferrin with superior bio-similarity and functionality vs other precision fermented lactoferrin on the market.
“I would add that it is completely typical of recombinantly expressed lactoferrins to have high levels of iron (75%+). This is not really a design choice, it is what you get by default, and it is not desirable to have high iron saturation in lactoferrin for many applications, particularly infant formula.”
Zero capacity restraints
PFerrin X has secured two manufacturing sites—one in the EU and one in Asia—with a total capacity of 200 metric tons locked down long term, with capacity to increase that to 400t based on demand from highly productive yeast strains.
“We won’t reveal the names of our strategic partners, but they are major global players,” claimed EFFV CEO Brian Ruszczyk, who said multiple regulatory filings are underway.
The JV is validating its tech with a partner at up to 1,500-L scale for regulatory submissions and is working with several off takers in areas from infant formula and sports nutrition to adult nutrition.
According to Ruszczyk: “We are today capable of producing for the same COGS as dairy but with zero capacity constraints, and we are 24 months away from being able to substantially undercut dairy COGS. Our mission remains intact; we are well on our way to becoming the world’s largest and lowest cost producer of quality LF in multiple jurisdictions.”
The addressable market
As for the size of the lactoferrin market, “everybody has different numbers because it’s a very opaque industry,” added Ruszczyk. “But there are approximately 850 tons of lactoferrin produced annually in 42 facilities around the globe that range from 25 tons to 75 tons.
“The biggest global producer out of Asia produces 170 tons per annum. And we believe the market can easily triple, if not quintuple, over the next decades. It costs dairy companies $300 a kilo to produce lactoferrin from milk.
“And under our trajectory, we’re going to be sub that price in the not too distant future, so it’s going to make us very competitive but will also allow the industry to expand as we and other [precision fermentation players] introduce a new source of supply.”
*AgFunderNews‘ parent company AgFunder is an investor in Alpine Bio.
Further reading:
All G raises $6.6m, forms JV with Armor Protéines to scale human and bovine lactoferrin
Alpine Bio debuts ‘insanely soluble’ soy protein isolate and iron-rich lactoferrin made in soybeans
10 million servings per run: Helaina scales human lactoferrin production
Vivici raises $34m to expand animal-free dairy operation, plans move into lactoferrin market
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