“Geno’s safe and sustainable fermentation processes have revolutionized some of the largest industries in the world, and we’re excited to bring this leading-edge technology to the functional foods and beverages market,” said Damien Perriman, senior vice president of specialty products at Genomatica.
“As a longstanding sustainability leader, we are well-positioned to disrupt the keto industry in ways not possible until now.”
Ketosis for all and on demand
Previously reserved primarily for elite athlete biohackers, exogenous ketones have been clinically shown to provide energy, increase endurance, aid in recovery and fuel the brain.
In speaking with NutraIngredients-USA at the SupplySide West trade show last week, Perriman said that Genomatica has succeeded in driving down the cost of ketosis, continuing the company’s “tradition of serving up everyday products that make a real impact in a sustainable way.”
“By operating at a large scale, we can produce Avela affordably, which aligns with our mission to make ketone ingredients available to everyone everywhere,” he added.
Made from plant sugars using Genomatica’s sustainable, proprietary fermentation process, Avela works by rapidly raising BHB ketone levels, the primary energy source made in the body during ketosis, to eliminate the need for a highly restrictive diet or prolonged fasting.
“Avela is only available for use in sports, energy, and wellness products as its ability to raise blood BHB levels creates real benefits for endurance, output and mental clarity,” Perriman said. “It’s like pumping high-octane gas into your car’s engine but without the hefty price tag.”
Early brands adopting Avela as next generation to ketone esters and salts include sports nutrition company H.V.M.N. (Health Via Modern Nutrition) and life sciences company VitaNav Inc.
High octane from high purity
Perriman explained that not all ketones are created equal and that Genomatica’s high purity process produces 99% chiral purity, meaning only the single biologically active enantiomer molecule is retained.
“Avela is the pure ‘R-form’ of 1,3-butanediol, the only…