BASF Human Nutrition and Nuritas have partnered on the commercialization and discovery of health-benefiting bioactive peptide networks within specific target areas of significant value. Peptides are biologically occurring short chains of amino acids that act as potent signaling molecules in the body. The peptide networks of focus in this collaboration are natural, food-derived, patented and of significant benefit to the health of consumers. These health benefits include for example anti-inflammatory activities.

The initial part of this deal sees Nuritas grant an exclusive, royalty-based license to BASF to commercialize one of its existing peptides across a number of applications. The second component of the collaboration entails on-demand discovery of new peptides, based on health areas that are strategically important to BASF’s customers and, ultimately, the consumer.

To drive this on-demand discovery of new peptides, Nuritas will deploy its unique technology platform. This uses Artificial Intelligence and DNA analysis to predict, unlock, and validate highly efficacious peptides, exclusively from natural sources. BASF will use its scientific know-how and global reach for the scale-up, formulation and commercialization of new bioactive peptide ingredients.

“Cooperating with an innovative and agile start-up like Nuritas enables us to further expand our already broad portfolio of health solutions,” said Saori Dubourg, who heads BASF’s Nutrition & Health Business. “We think that Nuritas is bringing a truly unique and innovative approach in addition to the actual ingredient to the table,” added François Scheffler, who heads BASF’s Global Human Nutrition and Pharma Solutions Businesses. “Therefore, our cooperation with them makes us as BASF an even stronger partner for our customers, to fully support them in delivering highly efficacious solutions under the Newtrition brand, which means delivering the right nutrients to the right people at the right time.”

Emmet Browne, CEO of Nuritas, said, “As a young, disruptive company this agreement further accelerates our vision of improving the lives of billions of people worldwide through the predicted discovery of bioactive peptides. The ingredients that will be brought to the market are going to be truly life-changing and thus we are very excited to partner with one of the most innovative and far-reaching nutrition leaders to ensure these ingredients get into the hands of those that need them. We know this is just the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship for both companies as well as for so many consumers.”