Biohm Launches Atlanta R&D Center to Innovate Fungal Ingredients

Biohm has officially opened a new research and development (R&D) center in Atlanta, a move aimed at accelerating the creation of innovative fungal microbiome ingredients. This facility is part of a strategic expansion designed to enhance the company’s research capabilities, focusing on its next generation of products.

The Atlanta center will support the development of Biohm’s existing ingredients: Mycohsa, a probiotic blend that combines bacterial and fungal communities with digestive enzymes, and Phorum, a postbiotic that promotes immune function. According to Kristin Wilhoyte, Vice President of Marketing at Biohm, the new lab will enable the company to advance its Symbiont platform, which is dedicated to developing new probiotic and postbiotic strains.

“This expansion allows us to move more rapidly from discovery to commercialization by increasing our internal capabilities for strain characterization, stability testing, mechanism-of-action studies, and formulation development,” Wilhoyte explained to NutraIngredients. The new R&D center is expected to streamline Biohm’s process in bringing clinically relevant microbiome solutions to market.

The opening follows Biohm’s successful securing of $4.52 million in series B funding earlier this year. This funding will support the hiring of talent and the development of the company’s artificial intelligence platform for identifying new ingredients.

State-of-the-Art Facility in a Growing Hub

The Atlanta lab is fully operational and equipped with advanced instrumentation to facilitate comprehensive R&D. Wilhoyte noted that the facility is designed to scale as Biohm’s research initiatives expand, allowing for additional hiring and growth over time.

Located in Portal Innovations’ Science Square Campus, the site is part of a thriving community of approximately 4,000 life sciences companies. Wilhoyte emphasized that the choice of Atlanta was strategic, as three members of Biohm’s leadership team are already based in the area. Additionally, Atlanta ranks 10th in the United States for life sciences job growth, with R&D employment growth rated 4th nationally, according to a report by CBRE.

“Portal Innovations’ Science Square location was selected because it offers a state-of-the-art research environment within a rapidly growing life sciences and biotechnology hub,” she stated. The proximity to Georgia Tech provides Biohm with access to world-class academic research and collaboration opportunities.

Focusing on Fungal Innovation

The new R&D center will primarily focus on advancing Biohm’s Mycohsa and Phorum products, while also exploring future proprietary ingredients aimed at areas such as immune health, women’s health, and healthy aging. This initiative underscores Biohm’s commitment to advancing the science of the gut microbiome, especially the often-overlooked role of fungi.

CEO Sam Schatz highlighted the company’s dedication to exploring the “under-recognized role of fungi” within the microbiome. Wilhoyte expanded on this point, noting that much of the current microbiome research has concentrated predominantly on bacteria. “While Saccharomyces boulardii has been successfully utilized for many years, it remains one of the very few commercially used fungal strains,” she explained.

Biohm aims to tap into the significant potential of additional fungal species with health applications. The company’s research intends to broaden the scientific and product landscape by advancing fungal-inclusive microbiome solutions that reflect the true biology of the gut ecosystem.

As Biohm progresses, it anticipates that the next wave of microbiome innovation will involve a comprehensive approach that addresses both bacterial and fungal components of the microbiome, according to Wilhoyte. This integrated focus positions Biohm at the forefront of microbiome research, with a clear vision for future advancements in health and wellness.