Launched as an A*STAR spin-off, Healbac designs specialized peptides that physically rupture bacterial cell walls and disable drug-rejection pathways. While the technology was originally conceptualized to replace additives like sodium nitrite in processed foods, the company is prioritizing topical animal treatments. Early testing showed the company's formulation successfully cured a French bulldog within three days. Co-founder Avinanda Banerjee developed the company through the Activate Global Fellows – Singapore program at Nanyang Technological University, securing up to $200,000 in support.
Key points
The startup is collaborating with six Singapore veterinary clinics to generate clinical d…: The startup is collaborating with six Singapore veterinary clinics to generate clinical data ahead of commercial sales.
Initial validation focuses on pet ear and skin ailments before expanding into food preser…: Initial validation focuses on pet ear and skin ailments before expanding into food preservation alternatives like replacing sodium nitrite.
Co-founder Avinanda Banerjee secured up to $200,000 in stipend and development funding vi…: Co-founder Avinanda Banerjee secured up to $200,000 in stipend and development funding via Nanyang Technological University.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
- Healbac, a Singapore biotech spin-off, uses stem-cell derived antimicrobial peptides to fight germs and reduce reliance on antibiotics and harmful food preservatives.
- The startup is first testing topical pet treatments for skin and ear infections, aiming to give vets an option before systemic antibiotics are used.
- Its cream cured a French bulldog in three days, and Healbac now works with six Singapore vet clinics while building clinical data and planning future sales.
AI generated
SINGAPORE – Every pet owner dreads it when a dog’s itchy skin or a cat’s ear irritation snowballs into costly vet visits and a 14-day regimen of strong antibiotics.
Not only is it expensive, but “antibiotics can also breed resistance and create superbugs, making it difficult to get rid of the infection”, said biotechnologist Avinanda Banerjee.
Avinanda, who co-founded Healbac, a deep-tech biotech spin-off from A*STAR, said antimicrobial peptides are the solution.
Officially launched as a private company in November 2025, Healbac has developed “stem-cell-derived and nature-inspired antimicrobial peptides designed to kill germs”.
But the peptides were not originally intended as a treatment…
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