French entrepreneurs Eugénie Pezé-Heidsieck and Eden Banon are revolutionizing the infant formula industry with their innovative approach to produce human milk using cell culture. With a focus on improving the health and wellbeing of both mother and child, the co-founders of start-up Nūmi are addressing the challenges faced by new mothers and their babies.
New research published in Psychiatry Research highlights the pressure felt by new mothers to breastfeed, mainly from healthcare providers and the media. This pressure has negative impacts on women who are unable to breastfeed or choose not to, leading to feelings of guilt. Pezé-Heidsieck and Banon have witnessed these challenges within their own circles, prompting them to seek alternative solutions.
The co-founders believe that the inherent complexities of breast milk make it the ideal choice for infant nutrition. However, they recognize the need for a more sustainable and accessible option for families who are unable to breastfeed or lack breastfeeding alternatives. To address this need, Nūmi is harnessing cell culture technology to create human milk from mammary cells.
Unlike precision fermentation-based products, Nūmi’s approach focuses on replicating the entire spectrum of nutrients and constituents found in breast milk, rather than isolating specific components. This innovative method aims to provide a viable alternative to traditional infant formula, with the goal of offering a product that closely mimics the nutritional benefits of breast milk.
As with any disruptive innovation in the food and beverage industry, regulatory approval and scaling are significant challenges. Nūmi is working closely with regulatory experts to navigate the novel food landscape and ensure compliance with stringent industry regulations.
While Europe’s regulatory landscape for cell-based food products is still evolving, the co-founders are optimistic about the potential for Nūmi’s products to reach European and French families in the future. In the meantime, the company plans to initially launch its products in the US, where there is a more defined regulatory landscape for innovative food and beverage products.
Nūmi has secured a €3m pre-seed round funded by prominent investors, positioning the company to tackle the financial hurdles associated with scaling its innovative production processes. With a focus on sustainability, health, and innovation, Nūmi is poised to make a significant impact in the food and beverage industry.
As a pioneer in human milk-focused synthetic biology, Nūmi is part of a growing movement dedicated to transforming the infant nutrition market. The company’s commitment to providing sustainable and accessible alternatives to traditional infant formula aligns with the evolving trends and consumer preferences within the food and beverage industry. Ultimately, Nūmi’s innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize infant nutrition and contribute to the overall wellbeing of mothers and children.
