North Carolina-based start-up Jellatech has successfully developed full-length, triple-helical and functional collagen made from its own proprietary cell lines, after two years of research and development.
Jellatech Inc., a US biotech start-up founded in 2020, announced that it successfully developed its first cell-based collagen product. After two years of research and development, the North Carolina-based company has successfully produced full-length, triple-helical and functional collagen made from its own proprietary cell lines. The new product is bio-identical to native collagen but does not require the use of animals in its production.
“It is becoming more and more evident that we need to change many of our existing practices and the way that we sustain our planet. This achievement just shows that we have a way and now we have laid the stepping stones for a sustainable future of protein production,” said Stephanie Michelsen, CEO of Jellatech.
Traditional collagen is produced by boiling and processing cow hides and bones and is widely used in a range of industries. Given collagen’s universal demand and variety of uses, sustainable alternatives to its sourcing and production are much needed. The cellular agriculture industry, as a whole, is aiming to replace major aspects of the animal farming industry, including the production of cultivated meat and by-products like collagen.
CULT Food Science Corp., an innovative investment platform with an exclusive focus on cellular agriculture, invested in Jellatech in early 2022.
“We are proud of Jellatech for producing its first cell-based collagen. It truly is a step in the right direction for the venture, as well as for the cellular agriculture industry. A milestone like this is key to achieving the global goal of creating a future with a more sustainable food industry. The CULT team is excited to see what Jellatech continues to create and is keen to continue helping Jellatech in any way,” said Lejjy Gafour, Chief Executive Officer of CULT. “Being able to watch companies like Jellatech that are as dedicated to cellular agriculture, sustainability and food security as we are is very rewarding, as it means that we are on the right path and the global food security crisis may one day be a thing of the past,” added Mr. Gafour.
The importance of collaborations between CULT and Jellatech are key success factors in the cellular agriculture industry in order to permanently improve the global food system.
