Agronomics & Onego Bio: FDA Greenlights Bioalbumen® – A New Era for Egg Protein?

Onego Bio's Bioalbumen® gets FDA's nod, paving the way for sustainable egg protein. Agronomics' investment strategy is validated, signaling a major shift in food tech.

Hold onto your hats, folks! The food tech world is buzzing about the latest developments with Agronomics and Onego Bio. Let's dive into what's cracking (pun intended!).

FDA Gives Thumbs Up to Onego Bio's Bioalbumen®

Big news out of Onego Bio, an Agronomics portfolio company: The FDA has issued a "no questions" letter regarding the Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status of their Bioalbumen®. This means their egg protein alternative, made through precision fermentation, is good to go for use in a wide range of food and beverage applications. We're talking baked goods, beverages, even meat analogs – the possibilities are endless!

What's the Big Deal About Bioalbumen®?

Bioalbumen® isn't just another egg substitute; it's a game-changer. Made with the filamentous fungus Trichoderma reesei, this ovalbumin protein mirrors the amino acid sequence found in chicken eggs. That means it offers the same high-quality nutrition and functionality as traditional egg protein. Think of it as the eco-friendly, supply-chain-secure cousin of the eggs we already know and love.

Wisconsin on the Horizon

Onego Bio isn't stopping at just getting the FDA's approval. They're planning to build their flagship production facility in Jefferson County, Wisconsin. This move is set to scale up Bioalbumen® manufacturing to meet the ever-increasing demand. The location of this production facility in Wisconsin signals Onego Bio's confidence in their U.S. operations.

Agronomics' Investment Pays Off

Agronomics has invested £7.1 million in Onego Bio, and that position is currently valued at £11.2 million. That's roughly 7.5% of Agronomics' Net Asset Value as of June 30, 2025. Jim Mellon, Executive Chairman of Agronomics, believes this milestone can drive job creation and economic growth, as well as answer the need from manufacturers for a sustainable ingredient that bolsters supply chain security.

Why This Matters

In a world where avian flu and extreme weather events are increasingly threatening our food supply chains, Bioalbumen® offers a much-needed solution. By supplementing the industrial egg supply, we can better defend against disruptions and ensure food security for everyone.

Looking Ahead

The FDA's thumbs-up is a significant step forward for Onego Bio and the clean food industry. With plans to scale up production in Wisconsin and Agronomics' continued support, Bioalbumen® is poised to make a real impact on the way we produce and consume food.

So, next time you're enjoying a delicious cake or a frothy latte, remember that the future of food might just be a little bit more sustainable, thanks to companies like Onego Bio and Agronomics. Who knew saving the world could taste so good?