Member Article

Powerhouse Biologics receive £100,000 investment

Powerhouse Biologics Ltd have received a £100,000 cash boost to support their business providing personalised advice on foods to boost health and well being.

The company was founded by scientists from Newcastle University who developed technology which can analyse an individuals genetic make-up to determine which foods will give them the most benefit.

Northstar Ventures’ decided to back the idea after realising the benefits the service could bring.

Set up by Professor Mark Birch-Machin and Dr Georg Lietz, the company has developed out of their cutting-edge research at Newcastle University. Professor Birch-Machin says: “We are aiming to offer testing kits which will allow people to find out which antioxidants in their diet would successfully boost their body’s own cells. This means we will be able to advise them what they would most benefit from eating.

“It’s incredibly exciting to be on the way to providing a personalised dietary service which means you really will be eating for optimum health.”

Powerhouse are now in the process of developing a testing kit to analyse a persons genetic differences to offer then a bespoke dietary advice service.

Dr Leitz explained: “Powerhouse Biologics combines our expertise in mitochondria and nutrition and genetic variation. It’s the first time these two areas have come together to produce such a test.

“We know this works in the lab and now the investment from Northstar Ventures means we will be able to take the first step in developing it.”

The pair are now looking for further investment to produce a prototype of the kit, which they hope to eventually see on high street shelves.

Richard Exley from Northstar Ventures added, “Powerhouse Biologics has an exciting opportunity at the interface between genomics, nutrition and health.

“Mark and Georg now have the ability to advance their company to the next level, and get their products into the market place.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .