What's Happening?
UMAMI Bioworks, a Singapore-based startup known for its cultivated seafood, is expanding its cell cultivation platform to produce marine bioactives, starting with Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN). PDRN is a high-value ingredient used in skincare, wound healing, and regenerative medicine, traditionally extracted from salmon sperm. UMAMI Bioworks aims to produce cosmetic-grade PDRN in bioreactors, addressing supply consistency issues, ethical concerns, and biosecurity risks associated with animal-derived PDRN. The company plans to have commercial-ready PDRN available by Q4, with other categories to follow. The global PDRN market is rapidly growing, driven by demand in regenerative medicine and skincare, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.
Why It's Important?
The introduction of bioreactor-produced PDRN by UMAMI Bioworks could significantly impact the cosmetics and regenerative medicine industries by providing a more ethical and consistent supply of this valuable ingredient. This development may reduce reliance on animal harvesting, addressing ethical concerns and supply bottlenecks. As UMAMI Bioworks scales its production, it could potentially compete on price with current animal-derived PDRN, expanding the market and enabling entry into new geographies and product categories. This innovation aligns with the growing demand for sustainable and ethical products in the cosmetics and healthcare sectors.
What's Next?
UMAMI Bioworks is preparing regulatory submissions for its PDRN product in the Asia-Pacific region, with plans to expand into other jurisdictions. The company is also focusing on advancing other high-demand marine bioactives for cosmetics and wellness, alongside its core cultivated seafood programs. As UMAMI Bioworks scales its production, it will continue to work with partners to align regulatory approaches with product positioning and intended claims. The company is also validating its pathogen testing tool for aquaculture, aiming for pilot studies later this year.
