Australia's All G gains approval for recombinant bovine lactoferrin in China

Sydney-based biotechnology company, All G, has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first to secure regulatory approval to market recombinant bovine lactoferrin in China.

“This approval marks an important moment for All G as we pave the way for advancements in precision fermentation,” commented Jan Pacas, CEO.

“Lactoferrin is one of the most functional and valuable proteins available. Our technology enables its production in a sustainable and scalable way, and this is just the start. Our recombinant human lactoferrin is also advancing quickly, alongside several other products in development.”

Lactoferrin, a protein naturally found in milk, plays a crucial role in supporting immune health, improving gut function, aiding iron absorption, and offering antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits. It is particularly abundant in human breast milk compared to cow’s milk, where it is present in much lower concentrations.

Traditionally, lactoferrin is extracted from cow’s milk through industrial separation processes. These methods are resource-intensive, yield limited amounts, and contribute to the protein’s high market price, which currently stands at approximately US$800 per kilogram.

All G has developed a method to produce high-purity recombinant bovine lactoferrin that is bioequivalent to its natural counterpart. The process utilizes precision fermentation, which allows for sustainable production at scale. Founded in 2020, All G focuses on creating animal-free proteins for applications in functional foods, medicinal nutrition, and infant nutrition. The company has raised US$45 million in funding and aims to launch its first lactoferrin product next year.

China, as one of the largest consumers of lactoferrin, represents a key market for All G. The country’s growing infant formula sector, increasing demand for functional foods, and rising health awareness among consumers make it an ideal location for the company’s product launch.

The precision fermentation approach developed by All G relies on microbes, such as yeast or bacteria, to produce specific proteins or nutrients. The process begins by introducing the gene for the target protein into these microorganisms. This genetic modification enables the microbes to act as efficient protein producers.

In bioreactors, the microbes are cultivated for approximately 10 days and fed a sugar-based feedstock. During this time, they secrete the desired protein, which is then purified to produce recombinant bovine lactoferrin.

This process eliminates the reliance on cows, reduces environmental impact, and ensures consistent quality and functionality. “This method not only removes animals from the production process but also enables scalability and reliability,” the company stated.