Checkerspot and Huvepharma partner on precision-fermented sn-2 algal oil

Checkerspot and global biopharmaceutical producer Huvepharma reveal they have joined forces to produce and commercialize a high sn-2 palmitate algal oil — a precision-fermented alternative to palm-derived nutritional oils that is a structured form of palmitic acid positioned at the middle (sn-2) site of glycerol, which mirrors the triglyceride structures found in human milk fat.

According to the companies, this configuration represents a major step forward in the formulation of next-generation infant formulas and advanced nutrition products.

“Checkerspot’s breakthrough high sn-2 palmitate algal oil is a leap forward for infant nutrition, both in terms of nutritional quality and environmental impact,” says Kiril Domuschiev, the President and CEO of Huvepharma.

“Huvepharma’s deep expertise in fermentation at scale and global market presence ideally positions the partnership to deliver this innovation reliably and competitively to the infant nutrition industry.”

Meeting ELN formulation demands

The companies highlight that the microalgae fermentation-derived ingredient delivers the nutritional and functional advantages of human milk fat without the environmental and ethical costs associated with palm oil production.

Its structure supports superior nutrient absorption and digestive comfort, two critical factors in early-life nutrition (ELN). The sn-2 palmitate has also been shown to promote easier fat digestion, softer stools, and improved calcium absorption. 

Moreover, the companies point out that, because the process bypasses palm-based intermediates and enzymatic modification, it also ensures a cleaner, more sustainable pathway from feedstock to finished oil. This also makes the ingredient free from contaminants, processing variability, or adulteration.

Industry leader Valio has pointed to the cognitive and immunity-boosting effects of sn-2 palmitate, while dairy ingredients producer Fonterra recently told us demand for the ingredient is increasing for premium ELN formulations.

Partnering for industrial-scale production

In an earlier interview with Nutrition Insight, Checkerspot’s vice president of strategic development detailed the nutritional health benefits and science surrounding the innovation.

Now, the company’s CEO, John Krzywicki, says that by uniting Checkerspot’s molecular and strain engineering expertise with Huvepharma’s large-scale fermentation and manufacturing capabilities, the two companies can begin industrial-scale production of this highly nutritional ingredient.

As global demand intensifies for more humanized, sustainable infant formula ingredients, this partnership positions sn-2 algal oil as both a technological and ethical evolution — offering the industry a pathway toward performance, purity, and planet-conscious innovation.

“This is a key milestone in redefining how high-performance fats and oils for nutrition are sourced and produced,” Krzywicki concludes.