In Boston, bioactives startup Ayana Bio has entered into a seven-figure joint development agreement with Wooree Green Science, a subsidiary of Wooree Bio. The collaboration aims to develop plant cell-derived saffron and other vital bioactive ingredients, specifically for health and wellness products targeting the South Korean market.
Known for its potential to aid weight loss by suppressing appetite and boosting metabolism, saffron faces hurdles in its supply chain due to climate change-driven crop failures and the labor-intensive nature of traditional harvesting methods.
“Saffron, like many other botanicals, faces a complex and uncertain future as it grapples with shifting weather patterns, pollution, and water shortages in the limited number of countries where traditional production happens,” said Frank Jaksch, CEO of Ayana Bio, in a press statement. “We want to reinvigorate the natural plant-based weight loss supplement market so more people can reap the health benefits.”
The joint development agreement leverages plant cell cultivation to produce saffron bioactives, ensuring a consistent and affordable supply. Ayana Bio’s Plant Cell Advantage™ ingredient portfolio, which includes Dog Rose PCA™, Hedge Nettle PCA™, Sage PCA™, Echinacea-p PCA™, and Lemon Balm PCA™, emphasizes sustainability, purity, safety, and ethical considerations in botanical supply chains.
The partnership will also leverage Wooree Green Science’s expertise in using biotechnology to address sustainability needs in agriculture.