PFX Biotech

The founding team includes Ali Osman (CEO), Harry Barraza (COO), who brings a background in chemical engineering and open innovation, and Diana Oliveira (Head of R&D), a food scientist with expertise in the health and nutritional benefits of food ingredients. The business is centered on an engineering biology platform that produces bioidentical human milk proteins, such as lactoferrin, through a proprietary and scalable precision fermentation process. This method provides the genetic information of specific proteins to microbial hosts, which are engineered to produce them in high yields. The resulting proteins are non-allergenic, GMO-free, dairy-free, and animal-free, designed to be highly digestible and bioactive.

PFx Biotech's business model is to supply these high-value protein ingredients to other companies. The primary target markets include manufacturers of next-generation infant formula, sports nutrition, and nutritional products for the elderly. By creating proteins that are functionally similar to those in human breast milk, the company aims to provide solutions for individuals with specific dietary needs, including allergies. In June 2025, the company secured significant capital, closing a €2.5 million seed funding round led by Buenavista Equity Partners with participation from EIT Food and Beta Capital. This was complemented by a €2.5 million grant from the EIC Accelerator, bringing the total new funding to €5 million. This capital is allocated to scaling up lactoferrin production to pre-industrial levels, establishing dedicated lab facilities, and expanding the team, with a goal of achieving regulatory approvals and launching products by 2026-2028.