Dyadic and BRIG BIO partner to develop and commercialize animal-free alpha-lactalbumin for global nutrition markets

Dyadic Applied BioSolutions and Netherlands-based BRIG BIO signed a development and commercialization agreement to bring precision-fermented bovine alpha-lactalbumin to global early-life, active, healthy-aging, and medical nutrition sectors. The partnership pairs Dyadic’s microbial expression systems with BRIG BIO’s expertise in recombinant dairy ingredients, with both companies aiming to accelerate commercialization timelines and increase market access to animal-free proteins.

Under the agreement, BRIG BIO will fully fund the development program and receive a global commercial license to Dyadic’s strains capable of producing alpha-lactalbumin using the Dapibus fungal expression platform. Dyadic will receive access fees, milestone payments, a share of future revenue linked to commercial sales, and co-marketing and sales rights. Both companies described the collaboration as a way to support cost-efficient, scalable production and to enhance affordability for nutrition brands seeking consistent, high-purity dairy-equivalent proteins.

Alpha-lactalbumin is one of the most valuable whey proteins used across infant formula, medical nutrition, and active-lifestyle products because of its amino acid profile and functional similarity to human milk. The global market was estimated at about US$760 million in 2025 and is projected to surpass US$1.6 billion by 2035, according to Future Market Insights. Industry demand is strengthening as brands reformulate toward higher-quality protein sources and look for reliable supply channels. Precision-fermented variants are gaining interest for their potential to deliver consistent quality and improved sustainability compared with dairy-derived options.

Dyadic said its Dapibus platform is designed to support the productivity levels and unit economics necessary for commercial-scale recombinant dairy proteins. Joe Hazelton, President & COO of Dyadic, said the agreement positioned the company to participate directly in the growing market. “In our view, this agreement positions Dyadic to participate directly in the commercial opportunity for animal-free alpha-lactalbumin through both milestone and royalty revenue, as well as co-marketing and sales rights. BRIG BIO’s deep understanding of precision fermentation and the nutritional dairy markets aligns with Dyadic’s strength in strain development and high-productivity microbial platforms. We believe Dapibus will help unlock the productivity and economics necessary to bring recombinant dairy proteins into mainstream global nutrition,” he said.

BRIG BIO, based in Wageningen, focuses on developing functional recombinant dairy proteins for use in human nutrition, with an emphasis on performance, nutritional quality, and secure production. CEO Steven Welle said the partnership would help the company advance customer supply needs. “Working with Dyadic accelerates our mission to secure the supply for high-quality, precision-fermented dairy proteins to our customers. Dyadic’s mature fungal expression technology offers the scalability and efficiency required for commercial success. This collaboration is expected to help us deliver the functionality and nutritional performance of bovine alpha-lactalbumin that creates an additional path to tackle the growing food uncertainty in the world,” he said.

Dyadic Applied BioSolutions, headquartered in Jupiter, Florida, uses its microbial platforms to produce recombinant proteins for partners across life sciences, food and nutrition, and bioindustrial markets. Its C1 and Dapibus expression systems are used to support flexible, cost-effective manufacturing. BRIG BIO operates from the Netherlands’ Food Valley and focuses on precision-fermented dairy proteins designed for scalable, high-performance nutrition applications.

The partnership aims to capture a share of the fast-growing recombinant alpha-lactalbumin market by combining Dyadic’s production platforms with BRIG BIO’s commercialization capabilities, targeting an expanding global customer base looking for sustainable, consistent dairy-equivalent proteins.