Biomilq, a U.S.-based biotech firm, has developed a highly nutritious breast milk alternative produced from cultured human breast cells—the closest match yet to natural human milk, according to the company.
Many mothers face challenges breastfeeding, whether by choice or necessity, leading to reliance on infant formulas. These products, often derived from cow's milk and processed for better digestibility, aim to mimic breast milk's nutritional profile. However, human breast milk's complex composition of nutrients, antibodies, and bioactive compounds has proven impossible to fully replicate—until now.
Biomilq's breakthrough uses human breast cells to produce milk rich in beneficial macronutrients, including human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) typically absent in formulas. The process is also more environmentally sustainable, the company states.
"Our latest work demonstrates that much of the complexity of milk can be achieved by replicating the intricate relationship between the cells that produce it and the conditions they undergo inside the body during lactation," explains Dr. Leila Strickland, cell biologist, co-founder, and chief scientific officer at Biomilq.
Strickland's motivation stemmed from her own struggles breastfeeding her children, inspiring this innovative approach.
While this lab-grown milk draws from human cells, it doesn't yet fully replicate natural breast milk's dynamic cocktail of nutrients, antibodies, and proteins, which varies uniquely from mother to mother and evolves during lactation. Even so, Biomilq claims it's the nearest equivalent available.
No peer-reviewed studies on the production process or product safety have been published yet. The team is now focused on regulatory approvals for safety and efficacy, while scaling production to meet potential market demand.
