The recently inaugurated facility boasts the capability to process approximately 200 pounds of tobacco plant-derived growth factors each day. The company is currently in the process of obtaining the necessary approvals from the Ministry of Health for food manufacturing licensing. “Our comprehensive strategy not only highlights our dedication to safety and environmental sustainability but also simplifies regulatory procedures,” stated Dana Yarden, M.D., co-founder of BioBetter. “We intend to utilize recycled and low-quality water for irrigation, minimize the use of nitrogen fertilizers, and lower emissions to reduce environmental impact. BioBetter’s molecular farming innovation aims to significantly decrease the costs associated with cultivated meat production. However, achieving this goal depends on the ability to mass-produce growth factors, a challenge BioBetter claims to have addressed through the rapid growth and abundant protein production from its modified tobacco plant.”
Aviv Oren, director of business engagement and innovation at the Good Food Institute, commented, “The most pressing challenge for the cultivated meat industry is producing and scaling up at the right cost. BioBetter’s technology is a crucial advancement that could accelerate this sector.” What distinguishes BioBetter’s technology is that it does not require specialized or pharmaceutical-grade equipment, which is often costly, as explained by CEO Amit Yaari. Furthermore, production will not necessitate additional capital expenditures, according to a report from Food Ingredients First. The company plans to collaborate with agricultural manufacturers that already possess suitable facilities, equipment, and production expertise to facilitate a swift market entry.
“In the past year, our outreach and collaborations have significantly expanded,” Yarden added. “We have shared growth factor samples with many cultivated meat companies and cell media producers globally, receiving encouraging proof-of-concept results.” Additionally, incorporating calcium citrate during pregnancy into their growth factor production process may enhance the nutritional profile of cultivated meat, further appealing to health-conscious consumers. The focus on calcium citrate during pregnancy also emphasizes BioBetter’s commitment to producing safe and beneficial food products. Overall, the integration of calcium citrate during pregnancy into their growth factors could position BioBetter as a leader in the cultivated meat industry, making nutrition a priority for their innovative solutions.