Cellibre, a pioneer in sustainable biomanufacturing, has been awarded a $2 million phase 2 grant by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to accelerate the commercialization of cannabinoid ingredient production through precision fermentation. This groundbreaking grant targets the development of cost-effective active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for treating various conditions, including appetite suppression, obesity, inflammation, and diabetes.
Founded in 2019 by experts in biomanufacturing, Cellibre aims to revolutionize manufacturing by leveraging biological processes as production catalysts. CEO Ben Chiarelli explains, "Every cell on Earth functions like a tiny factory, capable of being engineered to produce chemicals and ingredients more efficiently and sustainably. Cellibre harnesses nature's most sophisticated manufacturing technology by embedding cellular assembly lines into microorganisms like yeast, creating proprietary molecular factories. Feeding these cells nutrients allows them to produce pure, natural ingredients or chemicals, significantly reducing the need to disrupt ecosystems and spearheading a revolution in sustainable manufacturing."
The NIH grant will facilitate the production of high-demand, non-euphoric cannabinoids, specifically tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) and cannabigerol (CBG). THCV shows promise in appetite suppression and obesity management, while CBG is being studied for its antibacterial properties and its potential in treating cancer and inflammatory diseases. Cellibre's technology promises to cut cannabinoid production costs by more than tenfold compared to traditional agricultural methods. The environmental impact of traditional cannabinoid production is substantial, with a greenhouse gas footprint equivalent to that of 15 million cars annually. Cellibre's approach dramatically reduces land, water, and energy use while enhancing the quality and consistency of these ingredients.
Dr. Spiros Kambourakis, Cellibre’s Chief Technology Officer, emphasizes the therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids and the challenges of conventional agricultural production. "Cannabinoids have significant therapeutic benefits, but legacy agriculture-based manufacturing is fraught with challenges. Our precision fermentation platform addresses these issues by using biology to produce high-quality, cost-effective, and sustainable cultured cannabinoids. In essence, we are deploying nature to tackle climate change, improve supply chain resilience, and enhance human wellness."
Cellibre’s platforms have already demonstrated economic and quality advantages over traditional supply chains. The NIH award will hasten these advancements as Cellibre transitions from research and development to full-scale commercialization, particularly focusing on therapeutically relevant cannabinoids.
The precision fermentation 'cell factory platform' developed by Cellibre significantly reduces the greenhouse gas emissions associated with agricultural and petrochemical-based supply chains for various plant-based compounds. This technology ensures a consistent, scalable supply of pharmaceutical-grade ingredients, free from the variability and impurities inherent in agricultural-based production. Beyond cannabinoids, Cellibre’s platform also encompasses key bioactives for clean beauty and wellness, such as resveratrol, naringenin, bakuchiol, and other functional ingredients.
"Biology is the future of manufacturing," states Kambourakis. "By shifting production from fields to fermentation, we can create products faster, more cost-effectively, and with higher quality, all while safeguarding our natural ecosystems."
With the global cannabinoid isolate market projected to surpass $34 billion by 2030 and over 400 active clinical trials underway, Cellibre’s technologies are crucial for ensuring patient safety and accessibility. Cellibre, headquartered in San Diego, California, employs an organism-agnostic approach to transform cells into specialized, sustainable factories for large-scale production of globally significant products. The company’s scientific team has led programs from ideation to commercialization, achieving breakthroughs in energy, ingredients, medicines, and more. Initially, Cellibre focuses on producing pharmaceutical-grade natural products and bioactives, eliminating the need for agriculture and revolutionizing the sourcing, production, and consumption of these ingredients.
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