Helaina was founded in 2019 by CEO Laura Katz, inspired by the challenges mothers face in accessing breast milk's unique nutritional benefits. Katz envisioned a solution where bioactive compounds, like those in breast milk, could be produced and scaled for broader health applications. Helaina’s mission centres on creating impactful, multifunctional nutrients for people at every life stage.

Through extensive research and thousands of lab experiments, the team developed a breakthrough technology to produce human proteins outside the body. Their first product, effera™, a human lactoferrin protein, was tested for safety and is poised to revolutionize nutrition for both babies and adults. Helaina’s innovative platform aims to redefine human health with a new class of bioactive nutrients.