company involved in cell programming and biosecurity, to develop functional oligosaccharides structurally similar to breast milk.
Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are fibre-like nutrients found in breast milk that are an essential energy source for beneficial gut bacteria in infants.
The infant formulas that exist in the markets contain negligible traces of HMOs, despite it being one of the most abundant components in human breast milk.
Based in California, Namuh is an infant nutrition startup with a mission to close the nutritional gap between human milk and infant formula products in the market.
Namuh’s proprietary technology provides for a cost-effective source of a family of HMOs via yeast fermentation.
The company intends to create infant formula that is closely similar to human breast milk, down to the molecular level, through the development of oligosaccharides that are structurally identical to those present in human milk.
Through this partnership, Namuh will leverage Ginkgo’s expertise in yeast strain engineering and fermentation process development, to produce a wide variety of HMOs through yeast fermentation.
“We believe engineering biology is the perfect way to produce crucial nutrients for babies, and together with Ginkgo, we are excited to play a key role in improving how future generations are fed.” Said Chaeyoung Shin the CEO and founder of Namuh.
The partnership between Namuh and Ginkgo is taking place at a time when demand for HMO are at an all time high.
According to market data from Markets and Markets, the global HMO market estimated at US$199 million in 2022 is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 22.7% to reach a value of US$556 million by 2027.
According to the market research firm, the rise in the infant population, a rise in the number of working women post giving birth, inability of mothers to lactate and demand for better nutrition option for growing infants are some of the key growth drivers for this market.
The alliance between Namuh and Ginkgo is therefore timely as it will help accelerate Namuh’s penetration into the market that is rapidly growing and evolving.
Jason Kelly, CEO and co-founder of Ginkgo also said, “Countless families around the world rely on infant formula every day, and we are thrilled to be working with NAMUH as they aim to create a healthier, safer formula that parents can depend on.”
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