REHOVOT, ISRAEL – Aleph Farms and Wacker have announced the development of a streamlined production process for essential growth medium proteins to grow cultivated meat in a cost-effective manner. The process utilizes scarce proteins, which represent a key factor in the promotion and support of cell growth and are one of the most prohibitive expenses in scaling up cultivated meat production.

Munich-based Wacker’s and Rehovot, Israel-based Aleph Farms’ agreement is non-exclusive making the now more affordable proteins available to any cultivated meat company without using fetal bovine serum (FBS) or animal-derived ingredients.

“Bringing down the cost and making suitable raw materials available at this key moment in the scale-up of production is imperative to taking cultivated meat mainstream and driving impact,” said Didier Toubia, co-founder and chief executive officer of Aleph Farms. “Investing in the development of a supply chain solution available to the entire industry is a direct result of our innovative and inclusive business model and the impetus behind our partnership with Wacker.”

Wacker is a supplier of leading protein production technologies with more than 20 years of experience in protein production and interpreting the rules and regulations in the food industry while Aleph Farms is the first cultivated meat company to grow steaks directly from non-genetically engineered animal cells

“The market for cultivated meat is advancing rapidly and we want to contribute to making it an affordable reality for everyone,” said Susanne Leonhartsberger, president of Wacker Biosolutions, Wacker´s life science division. “We have many years of experience in the field of protein production. Our scientists have developed advanced production technologies that we can draw on. With this platform, we are now entering the field of cultivated meat. As the most technologically advanced company in the field, Aleph Farms is an ideal partner for us in this project.”

“Our team’s scientific expertise alongside Wacker’s vast experience makes it possible to produce proteins at the quantity, quality and cost necessary to meet Aleph’s aggressive goal of achieving cost-parity with conventional meat,” said Ayelet Maor Shoshani, PhD, director of Cell Line and Media Development at Aleph Farms.

The growth-medium proteins are essential components naturally found in animals and act as a nutrient-rich feed to help cells grow and mature into muscle, fat and collagen-producing cells. They are imperative for supporting cellular activity.