Biosyntia enters multi-billion botanical market in Lantana Bio team up on sustainable flavonoids

03 Jan 2022 --- Biotech companies Biosyntia and Lantana Bio have signed an in-licensing deal that will see the creation of a new technology platform. The companies plan to develop a more sustainable production process for flavonoids. Under the agreement, Biosyntia will be in charge of production and commercialization.

The deal marks Biosyntia’s entrance into the global market for botanical ingredients. 

Denmark-based Biosyntia and France-based Lantana Bio will base the production process within Europe. The companies state that this decision will avoid the supply challenges associated with cross-continent logistics. 

Over time, the joint venture will develop the potential for the mass, sustainable production of thousands of flavonoids that are currently difficult to produce. 

“By developing and applying proprietary biological processes, we will offer customers and consumers a more natural and sustainable alternative to present-day nutraceuticals at a price-competitive level,”The companies will base their production in Europe.Biosyntia states.

The flavonoids of focus are derived from herbs that have been highlighted within Traditional Chinese Medicine. The alleged health benefits of the ingredients in question range from skincare to virus protection and combating inflammation.

World’s “first” fermented kaempferol
Biosyntia and Lantana Bio’s first product to be developed is kaempferol, which the companies say is the “first fermented version on the world market.”

Kaempferol is a flavonoid derived from vegetables, fruits and legumes such as kale, apples, grapes, broccoli, beans, tea and spinach. According to the companies, kaempferol is used in products that combat viral infections and inflammation. The companies also claim the product shows anticancer potential. 

The global market for kaempferol is enormous; the ingredient represents a US$5.7 billion global consumer product market.

Entering new markets
The natural vitamin company aims to create sustainable and natural ingredients that benefit consumers’ health. Biosyntia says its production process generates a “substantially lower environmental footprint” than competing manufacturers. 

“The global market for botanical extracts has a business-to-business-value of several billion euros, and it continues to grow rapidly at 9% annually,” says Martin Plambech, CEO of Biosyntia. 

Biosyntia has released other novel fermented products in the past, such as biotin. 

Affordable white biotechKaempferol represents a multi-billion dollar global market. 
Lantana Bio is an “early-stage” white biotechnology company that specializes in engineering plant-based bioactive compounds for use in foods, beverages, supplements, and cosmetics.

White biotechnology refers to the engineering of living cells such as molds and bacteria for use in various products and technologies. These products are biodegradable and more sustainable than traditional chemical products. 

The company aims to use the new deal to expand its production and bring affordable flavonoids to the market. Michael Naesby, CEO of Lantana Bio, is optimistic for the venture.

“The partnership with Biosyntia is a great step forward toward our ambition of bringing sustainably produced flavonoids to market at affordable prices. The partnership with Biosyntia allows Lantana to fully focus on developing high-performing strains, using our state-of-the-art engineering technology,” says Naesby.

Fermented and probiotic cosmetic and nutritional products have been exploding across the market recently.

Edited by Olivia Nelson