Yeast-generated fat produced by Yali Bio matches the purity of breast milk, paving the way for a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) GRAS filing.
In a groundbreaking development for infant health, US food tech startup Yali Bio has announced an integrated downstream process for the production of purified OPO (1,3-dioleoyl-2-palmitoyl-glycerol), a crucial component in breast milk that plays a vital role in nutrient absorption and energy production for infants.
Yali Bio's innovative approach leverages a recombinant yeast platform to efficiently produce high-quality structured fats that resemble breast milk fats, offering a cost-effective process that could potentially revolutionise the infant formula industry.
The precision fermentation process allows for the production of specific compounds, including ARA and DHA, which have been linked to cognitive, visual, and immune benefits. With a 66-78% purity level, Yali Bio's yeast-derived OPO surpasses the sn-2 palmitic acid levels of commercially available OPO products, which range from 55-70%.
The company's efforts are not isolated. Yali Bio is working alongside C16 Biosciences on the production of precision-fermented OPO-like fats, while other companies such as The Live Green Co, Checkerspot, PFx Biotech, Helaina, All G, Nūmi, and 108Labs are also making strides in the development of alternative infant formula and dairy products.
The importance of OPO in infant health cannot be overstated. OPO is essential for fat regulation and calcium absorption, both of which are vital for energy and bone growth during an infant's first 1,000 days. With around 5-10% of women physiologically unable to breastfeed, and many more saying they're not producing enough or have nutritional deficiencies in their milk, the potential for improved infant formula products is significant.
Industry leaders are taking note. Operation Stork Speed, a project aimed at boosting the quality, safety, and nutritional adequacy of infant formula products, has been funded in part by a $370,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
However, the path forward is not without challenges. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has faced criticism for its "outdated" regulations around alternative formulas, and only a quarter of American mothers continue to exclusively breastfeed at six months, the recommended period by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
As the landscape of infant nutrition continues to evolve, the potential for precision-fermented OPO to improve health outcomes for infants is promising. With partnerships with infant formula manufacturers on the horizon, Yali Bio's breakthrough could be the first step in a new era for infant health.
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