Bactolife Launches Helm Binding Proteins in US via Gutgevity

Bactolife has launched its Helm Binding Proteins in the US through a partnership with Healthgevity, debuting in the Gutgevity supplement. This marks the first commercial application of the Danish biosolutions company's novel ingredient technology in the American market, secured via a partnership with the Miami-based healthy ageing firm. The startup, which recently raised over €30 million, sells its binding proteins under the ingredient brand Helm.

How Helm works in the gut

Helm Binding Proteins function as a targeted defence layer. They are designed to bind and neutralise specific undesirable microbial metabolites within the intestinal lumen. Bactolife describes this as a new class of bioactive ingredients that support a healthy gut environment. Crucially, the proteins do not kill microbes, penetrate the gut barrier, or activate the immune system. Their impact is observable shortly after ingestion, and they are effective at low daily intake. This approach is intended to add a targeted defence layer to support gut balance, microbiome stability, and intestinal barrier integrity.

Science and stability behind the ingredient

The proteins are inspired by IgG fragments found in camelid milk immunoglobulins. Bactolife uses precision fermentation to engineer microbes to produce them. The resulting Helm IgG Binding Protein LT is a construct of two antibody protein sequences. The ingredients are designed for high affinity and specificity. They are also stable across a broad pH range and resistant to elevated temperatures. This stability, along with low inclusion rates, supports versatility for use in food, feed, and dietary supplements.

Strategic expansion and market context

The US launch aligns with a surge in consumer focus on gut health. This is driven by cultural trends like Netflix’s Hack Your Health, the Zoe app, TikTok’s fibermaxxing trend, and the rise of GLP-1 drugs. Dietary fibres and prebiotics naturally replicate some GLP-1 drug effects by feeding good gut bacteria. Bactolife is leveraging this moment. Following the US launch, Bactolife plans to focus on the EU and Asia. The company also aims to make binding proteins available to women and children in low- and middle-income nations.

Scientific validation is part of the strategy. Safety assessments, genotoxicity studies, and an allergenicity assessment of Helm IgG Binding Protein LT were published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology in 2025. The company will next shows its technology at the SupplySide Global trade show in Las Vegas from October 28-30, engaging with food, beverage, and supplement companies.

Industry positioning and vision

Bactolife frames Helm as a complementary innovation, not a replacement for existing biotics. The company identifies a 'Seed, Feed and Defend' framework for gut health. Traditional innovation has focused on introducing beneficial microorganisms or providing substrates. "We believe the next evolution of gut health will extend beyond pre-, pro-, and postbiotics," said Sebastian Søderberg, CEO of Bactolife. "With Helm Binding Proteins, we are adding a new dimension, proactive resilience, to help create a more complete approach."

The Gutgevity supplement itself embodies this multi-mechanism approach. It combines the IgG Binding Protein LT with five other components: prebiotics, postbiotics, probiotics, botanicals, and fungal bacteria. Healthgevity founder and CEO Michael Antonelli noted the partnership's value for practitioners. Our partnership with Bactolife gives healthcare practitioners access to a new mechanism through Helm Binding Proteins, he said. This partnership provides Bactolife its first commercial application in the US healthcare practitioner channel. Following the US launch, Bactolife plans to focus on the EU and Asia.