In the field of infant nutrition, formula milk has been striving for decades to replicate the unique properties of breast milk. While significant progress has been made, a key component has been missing: gangliosides, natural molecules found in breast milk that are essential for cognitive development and immune protection. CarboCode, a biotech startup based in Cantanhede, Portugal, is the first company to industrialize their production at scale.
The role of gangliosides in early life
Gangliosides play a crucial role in brain development and the maturation of the central nervous system. They also support a balanced immune response and a healthy gut microbiome. Yet, these compounds are absent from conventional infant formulas.
“Access to human-identical gangliosides brings infant formulas closer to the natural benefits of breast milk, which was previously unattainable,” explains Jorge Santos, CEO of CarboCode.
Using patented production technology, CarboCode has developed a platform capable of synthesizing these molecules in their natural form. This innovation aims to address the critical needs of bottle-fed infants while enhancing the safety and efficacy of formula ingredients.
Industrial-scale innovation
CarboCode has invested in a factory at Biocant Park, a biotechnology cluster in Portugal, capable of producing up to 100 tons of gangliosides annually. While the initial applications focus on infant nutrition, the company is also exploring opportunities in cosmetics, dermatology, and cognitive health.
The new product line not only seeks to improve nutritional outcomes but also supports major industry players. Collaborations with companies like Nestlé, Danone, Abbott, and Mead Johnson are underway to integrate these ingredients into their offerings.
Global ambitions backed by strategic funding
To support its mission, CarboCode recently raised €15 million in a Series C round, led by Iberis Capital, a Portuguese venture capital firm. The funding will be used to:
- Hire 15 additional researchers, expanding the team to 50 employees.
- Secure regulatory approvals in the European Union and the United States by 2027, and in China by 2028.
- Launch the new factory and scale up production.
The company projects an annual turnover of €100 million by 2029, with 100% of production dedicated to exports. With its groundbreaking technology, CarboCode is poised to transform infant nutrition and establish itself as a key player in European biotechnology.
