Heaptalk, Jakarta — Singapore-based biotech startup ArrowBiome has secured a USD1 million seed funding round from Cocoon Capital. The investment will support the development and commercialization of the startup’s microbiome management solutions, which precisely target specific bacterial strains.
In more detail, the team will allocate the fresh injection for research and development, clinical validation, commercial partnership reinforcement, and development solutions for gut microbiome and antimicrobial resistance.
“We will advance our technology and offer innovative solutions to our partners seeking precise microbiome management. This funding marks a significant milestone in our journey to become a global leader in microbiome management.” Founder and CEO of ArrowBiome, Boon Chong Goh, said.
ArrowBiome leverages lysins – proteins evolved by bacteriophages, to kill bacteria selectively. Bacteriophages are viruses that infect and replicate with bacteria, frequently killing their bacterial hosts. The startup captures precise bacterial targeting by engineering and producing lysins in the lab. Their initial target market is fighting acne and body odor. The technology has demonstrated significant efficacy and selectivity across multiple bacterial strains.
The startup microbiome technology addresses a critical need in microbiome management. Current treatments often lack specificity, affecting both beneficial and harmful bacteria. This method can disrupt the natural microbiome balance in the human body and lead to the emergence of antibiotic resistance. ArrowBiome’s targeted approach impacts only harmful bacteria while maintaining a healthy microbiome balance to minimize adverse side effects.
ArrowBiome will initially offer its solutions to personal care companies, specialty chemical manufacturers, and other businesses within the cosmeceutical industry. One of its platforms allows for over 100 times lower doses of active ingredients compared to current market products, achieving the same effectiveness but with minimal side effects.
The global market size for ArrowBiome’s novel skin care solutions is significant. Acne affects approximately 85% of teenagers and young adults worldwide. Additionally, only 2% of people have armpits that never smell, underscoring the demand for more effective deodorant solutions. The US and EU are the largest deodorant markets, representing considerable growth opportunities.
Will Klippgen, Managing Partner at Cocoon Capital and newly appointed member of ArrowBiome’s board of directors said, “The startup’s groundbreaking approach to microbiome management addresses a critical need in the market. We are excited to support their growth and look forward to seeing their innovative solutions improve global health by launching a sustainable way of killing bacteria.”
