TurtleTree, a food startup based in Singapore that uses cellular agriculture technology to produce animal-free milk, announced the debut of the first precision fermentation-produced lactoferrin, LF+, a high-value bioactive milk protein and a powerful component of cow's milk. The commercial launch of LF+ is slated for Q4 2023.

Lactoferrin is a protein found in mammalian milk that helps regulate iron absorption into the body from the intestine. It also protects against infections from bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The lack of lactoferrin in plant-based milk is a drawback compared to animal milk.

Lactoferrin is a highly valued protein that retails between USD 700 and USD 1,500 per kilogram. The high prices reflect the significant resources necessary to extract the protein. Despite its benefits of improving physical performance, aiding endurance, fatigue resistance, muscle strength, and energetic efficiency in athletic performance, the use of lactoferrin is limited to infant formulas due to the lack of supply. 

With the commercial launch of LF+, the company expects to enter profitability on a per-unit basis within six to 12 months.