Bactolife secures $35 million to bring binding protein gut health ingredients to market

Bactolife, a Denmark-based biotechnology startup, has raised more than $35 million in Series B funding to commercialize a novel category of gut health ingredients based on binding proteins, a technology designed to selectively neutralize harmful metabolites in the gastrointestinal tract. The financing round, completed in 2025, positions the company to launch its first products in the United States this year and expand into Europe and Asia in the coming years, according to AgFunderNews.

The funding was led by Cross Border Impact Ventures (CBIV) and EIFO, Denmark’s Export and Investment Fund, with participation from existing investors Novo Holdings and Athos. The capital injection marks a significant milestone for Bactolife as it moves from research and development into full commercial deployment, targeting both human nutrition and animal health markets.

Founded to unlock a new approach to microbiome management, Bactolife is developing binding proteins that act as precision tools in gut health. Unlike probiotics or prebiotics, which aim to add or nourish beneficial bacteria, binding proteins are designed to attach themselves to specific metabolites produced by unhealthy microbes, preventing those compounds from crossing the gut barrier and triggering inflammation or other health issues.

A different approach to gut health

The company’s technology is inspired by IgG fragments found in the milk of camelids—such as camels, llamas and alpacas—which are known for their immune-supporting properties. Instead of sourcing these proteins from animal milk, Bactolife uses precision fermentation, engineering microbes to produce the binding proteins at industrial scale. This process allows the ingredients to be vegan-friendly, allergen-free and suitable for a wide range of food and supplement applications.

By selectively binding to unwanted metabolites, the proteins allow these compounds to pass through the gastrointestinal system and be eliminated without disrupting the broader microbiome. This mechanism differentiates them from antibiotics, which indiscriminately kill both harmful and beneficial bacteria, often leading to long-term imbalances in gut flora.

The company argues that this selectivity makes binding proteins particularly relevant at a time when consumers are increasingly aware of the links between gut health, immune function and overall well-being. Issues such as digestive discomfort, antibiotic recovery and so-called “leaky gut” have become common topics in both clinical and consumer health discussions.

From lab to market

According to AgFunderNews, the newly raised capital will be used to fund human clinical studies, advance regulatory approvals and support the commercialization of binding protein ingredients across multiple categories. These include dietary supplements, functional foods and beverages, and animal feed additives.

Bactolife plans to introduce its first commercial products under the Helm brand in the US market. The company expects to secure self-affirmed GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status for its initial binding proteins in the first quarter of 2026, with regulatory submissions in the European Union and Asia to follow.

In parallel, the firm is preparing documentation for full FDA GRAS notification, a step that would further support broader adoption by food, beverage and supplement manufacturers. Several commercial partnerships are already in place in the US, and the company is actively seeking additional collaborators across dietary supplements, direct-to-consumer brands and healthcare practitioner channels.

Scaling production and partnerships

Manufacturing readiness has been a key focus as Bactolife transitions toward commercialization. The company reports that it is working with global manufacturing partners capable of producing binding proteins at scale, ensuring supply can meet anticipated demand once products reach the market.

One of the advantages highlighted by the company is the functional stability of binding proteins. Unlike live probiotics, which can be sensitive to heat and pH and therefore limited in their applications, binding proteins are heat- and pH-stable. This allows them to be incorporated into a wider range of formulations, including products that undergo processing or extended shelf life.

Additionally, the ingredients are effective at very low doses, typically between 100 and 200 milligrams, which can simplify formulation and reduce costs for manufacturers.

Targeting unmet needs

Bactolife’s initial focus includes consumer groups that are particularly vulnerable to gut health disruptions. These range from people recovering from antibiotic treatments to older adults, including those in hospitals or nursing homes, where changes in immune function and medication use can increase susceptibility to gastrointestinal issues.

The company also sees potential demand among travelers, individuals experiencing periods of high stress, and consumers seeking preventive approaches to maintaining gut balance. Rather than positioning binding proteins as a replacement for probiotics or prebiotics, Bactolife frames them as a complementary tool—one that can help remove harmful elements from the gut during periods of imbalance.

This positioning reflects a broader shift in the gut health sector, where innovation is moving beyond traditional “biotics” toward more targeted and functional solutions.

A growing market for precision nutrition

The Series B round underscores growing investor interest in precision nutrition and microbiome-focused technologies. As scientific understanding of gut health deepens, companies that can offer differentiated, evidence-backed solutions are attracting capital and strategic partnerships.

For Denmark, the investment also highlights the country’s role as a hub for biomanufacturing, deeptech and food technology innovation. With strong backing from public and private investors, Bactolife is positioned to become one of the first companies to bring binding protein-based gut health ingredients to the global market.

Over the next three to five years, the company aims to build a portfolio of binding proteins addressing a range of common gut health challenges. If successful, the approach could open up a new category within the functional nutrition landscape, reshaping how gut imbalances are managed in both preventive and therapeutic contexts.