Kyowa Hakko Bio Partners with the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) to Study Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs)

Kyowa Hakko Bio, a global leader in biotechnology and nutritional solutions, is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking collaboration with the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) to advance research on Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs), a crucial component of human breast milk.

HMOs are complex carbohydrates found exclusively in human breast milk known to play a significant role in infant health and development. Kyowa Hakko Bio has been at the forefront of HMO research and development, and this partnership with ASTAR will enhance our understanding of these essential compounds and explore their potential applications, including the promotion of a healthy gut microbiome and immune system.

As part of this collaboration, researchers from ASTAR’s Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS) will work closely with Kyowa Hakko Bio's biotechnology and nutrition team. Leveraging SICS' extensive expertise in unravelling factors that impact human health across lifespan, the two teams will jointly undertake cutting-edge studies aimed at unlocking the full potential of HMOs in promoting health and well-being.

Key objectives of the collaboration include uncovering the potential benefits of HMOs, such as promoting gut health through the growth of good bacteria in the gut and supporting immune regulation.

Dr. Eri Nakazaki, Senior Scientist and Manager of Corporate Strategy Department at Kyowa Hakko Bio, expressed enthusiasm about this collaboration, saying, "Our partnership with ASTAR marks an exciting chapter in our ongoing commitment to exploring the benefits of HMOs. We believe that this collaboration will yield valuable insights that can benefit people of all ages."

Prof Jeroen Schmitt, Senior Principal Investigator at ASTAR’s SICS added, "We are excited to work alongside Kyowa Hakko Bio in this pioneering research endeavor. Together, we aim to deepen our understanding of HMOs and their potential applications, ultimately contributing to advancements in healthcare and nutrition."

This collaboration exemplifies Kyowa Hakko Bio's dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and improving human health through innovative research and development initiatives.