UK-based startup Better Dairy has achieved a significant milestone by producing osteopontin—a bioactive protein prevalent in human milk—through precision fermentation using genetically engineered yeast. Traditionally, osteopontin extraction from cow’s milk is inefficient, requiring thousands of liters to yield just one kilogram, making it scarce and costly.
Osteopontin plays a crucial role in infant development, impacting growth, immunity, cognitive function, and gut health. In adults, it’s associated with bone health, tissue regeneration, and immune support. Better Dairy’s innovation enables scalable production of this protein, opening avenues in infant formula, sports nutrition, and dietary supplements.
A key differentiator for Better Dairy is its ability to perform essential post-translational modifications, specifically phosphorylation, during protein synthesis. This capability ensures the bioactivity of osteopontin, setting the company apart from others in the field. With a published patent on this process, Better Dairy is conducting scale-up trials and aims to achieve self-affirmed GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status by Q1 2026, followed by FDA notification.
The company is also developing a second-generation production strain to enhance yield and efficiency. Given osteopontin’s high value and low required concentrations in end products, Better Dairy anticipates a quicker path to profitability compared to its casein protein ventures. This strategic focus on high-margin ingredients reflects a broader industry trend of targeting premium bioactives before scaling to more commoditized proteins.
Industry Insight:
Better Dairy’s advancement in producing bioactive proteins like osteopontin via precision fermentation signifies a pivotal shift in the dairy industry. By focusing on high-value components, the company exemplifies how biotechnology can drive innovation, meet specialized nutritional needs, and offer sustainable alternatives to traditional dairy production.
Source : DAirynews7x7 May 15th 2025 Ag Funder News