BoobyBiome: the start-up innovating with breast milk microbiome secures Forbes 30 under 30 recognition
BoobyBiome: the start-up innovating with breast milk microbiome secures Forbes 30 under 30 recognition
Co-founders recently named on the European 2024 Forbes 30 under 30 list.
What if we could take the beneficial microbiome from breastmilk and make it available for any baby, however parents choose (or are able to) feed?
That’s the mission of BoobyBiome - an award-winning start-up based in Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, as it aims to close the disparity in infant feeding.
The co-founders have now just been named on the European 2024 Forbes 30 Under 30 list. Dr. Sioned Jones and Dr. Tara O’Driscoll made the list amongst some of the most influential entrepreneurs and change-makers globally. Co-founder, Dr. Lydia Mapstone, narrowly missed the age cutoff by just a couple of days.
Dr Tara O’Driscoll said:
“Being listed on Forbes is timely in our efforts to bring attention to the importance of the microbiome in early infant development, and the urgent need for innovation in this space. Building BoobyBiome from the ground up has been an incredible journey, and I am proud of the milestones we have achieved through sheer dedication, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.”
The power of the breast milk microbiome
Founded in 2019, BoobyBiome’s three co-founders began the start-up after forming a deep concern for the alarming rise in infant diseases attributed to inadequate microbiome development. Recognising the undeniable health benefits of breastfeeding, they pursued the unexplored potential of the breast milk microbiome's influence on infant health.
Dr Sioned Jones said:
"We began by reaching out to various Facebook and WhatsApp groups, asking for donations of breast milk. We would then sequence the mother’s breast milk and her infant's stool sample, and pair the results with an extensive health assessment. This allowed us to paint a picture of what exactly lives in these microbiomes, what they are doing, and what impact they have on health."
BoobyBiome now wants to guarantee that every baby, whether breastfed or not, gains access to the beneficial effects of the breast milk microbiome. This microbiome serves to strengthen infant immune defences against diseases and fosters lifelong health.
Dr Tara O’Driscoll said:
“Fast forward to today, 5 years later, we've built a whole community of wonderful donors. We've been able to track their milk over time, and even across different babies. This has given us vast amounts of data that drives our product development”
Products to revolutionise infant health
BoobyBiome is now harnessing its breast milk microbiome database and biobank to develop products aimed at ensuring every baby receives the benefits of a breast milk microbiome.
Their product range covers the full spectrum of the infant feeding market, offering a breastfeeding accessory for nursing parents that maintains the natural breast milk microbiome integrity, as well as a breast milk microbiome supplement designed to enhance infant formula.
Dr Lydia Mapstone said:
“Our commitment to the health of mothers and their babies goes beyond product development. With a name like BoobyBiome, it's no surprise that destigmatising breastfeeding is at the core of our ethos. Over the coming months we’re excited to share beyond our community on the exciting projects we have in development”.