“Pink gold”: Vivici’s precision fermentation-based lactoferrin launches in the US

Vivici has launched a precision fermentation-based lactoferrin (LF) ingredient, Vivitein LF, in the US market with self-affirmed generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status. Dubbed a “breakthrough protein,” the Dutch company says it addresses the supply and cost issues associated with traditionally produced lactoferrin. 

Also referred to as “pink gold,” lactoferrin has been researched for its benefits on the immune system, but has historically been scarce and costly to extract from cow’s milk due to its low abundance.

As a food technology with diversifying applications, precision fermentation can overcome these limitations while also addressing the environmental drawbacks of traditional dairy farming.

“The question that will define the health and wellness industry for years to come is how we can help the body’s own system maintain health from within,” says Stephan van Sint Fiet, CEO of Vivici.

“Innovators who effectively fulfill this unmet consumer demand with innovative and transformative health products leveraging breakthrough proteins, such as Vivitein LF, will succeed.”

Unlocking dairy’s bioactives

Vivitein LF is a high-purity multifunctional protein ingredient made through precision fermentation, unlocking access to one of dairy’s most valuable bioactives.

Vivici says the ingredient enables a range of consumer product innovations for health and wellness companies in gut health and performance recovery.

In particular, it can support gut health by optimizing the microbiome balance and strengthening the gut barrier.

As a food technology with diversifying applications, precision fermentation can overcome the limitations and environmental drawbacks of traditional dairy farming.

The company adds that Vivitein LF helps manage the body’s inflammatory response, particularly during repeated exercise that drives chronic low-grade inflammation.

Moreover, it “gently mobilizes” iron to improve its utility in the body, addressing the millions of women diagnosed with low iron levels who need sustained, day-long energy.

Vivici pipeline

Vivitein LF is the second ingredient to be launched by Vivici under the Vivitein banner, following the commercialization of the company’s flagship beta-lactoglobulin (BLG) ingredient, Vivitein BLG, which is also made through precision fermentation.

Vivici tailors its ingredients for diverse product applications, including clear, water-based protein drinks, clean protein powders designed for rapid absorption, and vegan-friendly protein bars with textures comparable to those made with animal-derived ingredients.

Founded in 2023 to deliver on the commercial potential of precision fermentation, Vivici specializes in ingredient-application expertise with commercial and technical capabilities.

The company says it is expanding its manufacturing footprint to establish a global supply network while accelerating market access across geographies and segments for its ingredient portfolio.

Vivici will showcase Vivitein LF and Vivitein BLG at the Expo West 2026 trade fair in Anaheim, California, US, which Nutrition Insight will be attending next week.

Precision fermentation advances forward

Also operating in this space, biotech company All G and French bioactives supplier Armor Protéines recently entered a joint venture to produce and commercialize human and bovine lactoferrin. All G has raised over AU$10 million (US$6.6 million) to inject additional capital into scaling its first bovine lactoferrin, followed by human lactoferrin at the end of this year.

Other use cases for sustainable and nutritious ingredients made from precision fermentation have diversified in the past years. Recently, biotech companies Checkerspot and Huvepharma joined forces to produce and commercialize a high sn-2 palmitate algal oil — a precision-fermented alternative to palm-derived nutritional oils, which mirrors the triglyceride structures found in human milk fat.

In cow-free dairy ingredients, 21st.Bio is working with biotech company Novonesis to develop animal-free bovine alpha-lactalbumin. Easy to digest and linked to cognitive and immune benefits, the ingredient is produced via precision fermentation through an exclusive license for the high-yield microbial strain from Novonesis.

Bioengineers in Japan have also successfully manipulated yeast cells to produce a molecule used in herbal medicine. The compound, artepillin C, is linked to antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It is available from natural sources, but in smaller amounts of inconsistent quality.