BoobyBiome, a pioneering biotech firm dedicated to improving infant health, has been awarded a £1.6 million grant from Innovate UK through its Biomedical Catalyst program. The funding is set to propel the company’s innovative work on a new Synbiotic product derived from breast milk, designed to enhance gut health in newborns.
Dr. Lydia Mapstone, CEO and Co-founder of BoobyBiome, expressed her enthusiasm over the funding: “We are delighted to receive this substantial grant from Innovate UK. This funding will be instrumental in advancing our research and bringing our Synbiotic closer to market, helping us provide beneficial microbes to infants at risk of developing an unhealthy gut.”
The Synbiotic, a cutting-edge product, is being developed in partnership with the Institute of Child Health at Great Ormond Street Hospital. It harnesses bacterial strains sourced directly from breast milk, specifically selected for their potential to decrease inflammation and bolster the immune systems of infants. The project will see extensive testing carried out by a team at the University of Reading, under the guidance of Dr. Marie Lewis, to ready the product for clinical trials.
Dr. Tara O’Driscoll, CTO and Co-founder of BoobyBiome, highlighted the importance of this collaboration: “Our collaboration with the University of Reading will ensure that our product is rigorously tested and optimised, providing the best possible outcomes for infant health.”
Alongside the government grant, BoobyBiome has also attracted fresh investment from notable sources, including Evenlode Investment, Kayan Ventures, and several angel investors. This influx of capital is expected to fast-track the product’s journey from development to launch, aligning with the company’s broader mission to promote infant health on a global scale.
Commenting on the new investments, Dr. Sioned Jones, COO and Co-founder of BoobyBiome, said, “We are excited to have the backing of such esteemed investors as we continue to innovate and expand our product offerings. Together, we are committed to making a positive impact on infant health globally.”
About BoobyBiome
BoobyBiome is a Female-founded biotechnology company that is dedicated to improving infant health and well-being. Their research focuses on developing evidence-based strategies to promote healthy microbial colonisation in infants and prevent common infant health issues.The company’s mission is to empower parents to make informed decisions about their infant’s health and to provide them with innovative tools they need to support their baby’s development.
