ArrowBiome, a cutting-edge Singapore-based biotechnology startup, has announced a $ 1 million seed funding round from Cocoon Capital, an early-stage venture capital firm.

The investment will support the development and commercialisation of ArrowBiome’s innovative microbiome management solutions which precisely target specific bacterial strains.

ArrowBiome leverages lysins, proteins evolved by bacteriophages, to selectively kill bacteria. Bacteriophages are viruses that infect and replicate within bacteria, often killing their bacterial hosts in the process. By engineering and producing lysins in the lab, ArrowBiome achieves precise bacterial targeting. Their initial target market is fighting acne and body odour. The technology has demonstrated significant efficacy and selectivity across multiple bacterial strains.

The startup’s proprietary technology addresses a critical need in microbiome management. Current treatments often lack specificity, affecting both beneficial and harmful bacteria. This can lead to the disruption of the natural microbiome balance in the human body and the emergence of antibiotic resistance. ArrowBiome’s targeted approach impacts only harmful bacteria while maintaining a healthy microbiome balance to minimise adverse side-effects.

ArrowBiome will initially offer its solutions to personal care companies, specialty chemical manufacturers, and other businesses within the cosmeceutical industry. One of its platform technologies allows for over 100 times lower doses of active ingredients compared to current market products, achieving the same effectiveness but with minimal side effects.