In a significant step towards bridging the nutritional gap between infant formula and breast milk, Portuguese biotechnology company CarboCode has raised €15 million in a Series C funding round led by Iberis Capital. Headquartered at the Biotechnology Innovation Center in Biocant Park, Cantanhede, CarboCode is pioneering advancements in the production of human-identical glycosphingolipids and gangliosides—key compounds naturally found in breast milk and cell membranes.
Several biotechnology companies are spearheading a transformative movement in infant nutrition, striving to bridge the gap between infant formula and the unparalleled benefits of breast milk. NAMUH, an Oakland-based startup, has pioneered yeast-based technologies to produce human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs)—critical components of breast milk that support immune function and neurological development. Similarly, Boston’s Conagen has developed a scalable, non-GMO process to produce HMOs, enabling the creation of cost-effective infant formulas that mimic breast milk’s complexity. Helaina, another innovator in the field, focuses on bioactive proteins and has developed ‘effera Human Lactoferrin,’ a synthetic protein supporting health across various demographics. Beyond infant nutrition, these advancements hold promise for applications in cosmetics, dermatology, and cognitive health. With over 130 million babies born annually—many of whom rely on formula due to physiological or practical challenges of breastfeeding—such innovations address a critical nutritional gap, offering solutions for healthier early development and long-term well-being. These efforts, coupled with advances in cultivated breast milk and precision fermentation for lactoferrin production, underscore the sector’s commitment to meeting global nutritional needs while addressing the limitations of traditional formula.
Scaling Innovation in Nutrition and Health
CarboCode operates a state-of-the-art development and scale-up facility in Portugal, complemented by a research center in Konstanz, Germany. This dual-location approach has enabled the company to integrate cutting-edge research with industrial-scale production. As part of its expansion, CarboCode is building a new industrial facility within Biocant Park, which will have the capacity to produce up to 100 tons of gangliosides annually.
The focus on gangliosides addresses a critical gap in current infant formulas, which lack these bioactive compounds. By mimicking the composition of breast milk, CarboCode aims to enhance formulas, supporting infant development more effectively. The company’s ambitions extend beyond infant nutrition to include applications in cosmetics, dermatology, and cognitive health.
Strategic Growth and Regulatory Milestones
The recent funding will not only fuel CarboCode’s industrial expansion but also support its efforts to navigate complex regulatory landscapes in key markets. The company plans to achieve approvals in the European Union and the United States by 2027, with a targeted entry into the Chinese market by 2028. This strategic timeline aligns with its projection of generating over €100 million in annual turnover by 2029, driven entirely by exports.
CarboCode is also investing in talent, expanding its workforce from 35 employees, including 16 PhDs, to accommodate an additional 15 researchers. This team will focus on advancing the company’s first-generation products and conducting in-depth research into gangliosides.
Breakthrough Research on Infant Gut Microbiome
In parallel with its production advancements, CarboCode has conducted groundbreaking research into the effects of synthetic human GM3 and GD3 gangliosides on the infant gut microbiome. Preliminary findings suggest that variations in the GM3/GD3 ratio during lactation could play a role in shaping waves of microbial colonization in the infant gut—a key factor in healthy development.
Jorge Santos, CEO of CarboCode, expressed optimism about the company’s mission:
“Access to human-identical gangliosides presents a rare opportunity to make a real positive impact on people’s lives. CarboCode’s technologies enable the production of these compounds, driving our commitment to making this dream a short-term reality.”
Toward a Healthier Future
As CarboCode positions itself at the forefront of biotechnology innovation, its progress signifies a leap forward in aligning infant nutrition with nature’s gold standard: breast milk. By scaling the production of bioactive compounds and deepening scientific understanding, the company is setting a new benchmark for health-focused biotechnology. With its eyes set on global markets, CarboCode is poised to transform the landscape of infant nutrition and beyond.
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