Nestlé has entered into a strategic partnership with U.S.-based biotechnology company Helaina to explore the potential of bioactive proteins in infant nutrition.
The multi-year collaboration aims to deepen scientific understanding of proteins found in human breast milk and their role in supporting early-life development.
The partnership combines Nestlé’s expertise in nutrition science and infant product development with Helaina’s biotechnology platform, which specializes in producing human-identical proteins through precision fermentation. The companies will focus on researching bioactive proteins that could help deliver targeted health benefits and support the development of next-generation nutritional solutions for infants.
A key area of interest is lactoferrin, a protein naturally present in human breast milk that plays an important role in immune support, gut health, and iron absorption. Helaina has developed technology to produce a human-identical version of lactoferrin at commercial scale, creating opportunities to bring breast milk-inspired functionality into infant nutrition products.
Nestlé stated that the collaboration aligns with its long-term commitment to advancing science-based nutrition. The company has invested for more than three decades in research on human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and other bioactive components found in breast milk, seeking to improve nutritional outcomes during early stages of life.
For Helaina, the partnership represents a significant milestone in bringing biotechnology-derived nutritional ingredients to a broader market. By leveraging Nestlé’s global reach and expertise in infant nutrition, the startup aims to accelerate the development and adoption of bioactive proteins that more closely replicate the functional benefits of human milk.
The collaboration reflects growing industry interest in precision fermentation and bioactive ingredients as food and nutrition companies seek innovative ways to enhance infant formula and other nutritional products. As research progresses, the partnership could contribute to new solutions designed to better support infant growth, immune function, and overall health.