Funding boost to scale production for human vaccines and expand R&D labs

This financing will accelerate the scalable commercial production of pharmaceutical-grade QS-21 for human vaccines and support the expansion of BSI's research and development laboratories, paving the way for new market opportunities for vaccine developers.

BSI’s proprietary, cost-effective methods for producing QS-21, a critical adjuvant in FDA-approved vaccines against Shingles and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), will significantly broaden its application in vaccine development. Traditionally sourced from the bark of the Quillaja saponaria tree, QS-21 is now being sustainably produced through BSI's lab-based cultivation of tissue-cultured Quillaja saponaria plants. This innovative approach ensures a steady, eco-friendly supply of high-quality QS-21 without the need for deforestation.

BSI's use of plant tissue culture technology revolutionizes sustainable QS-21 production, addressing industry challenges and ensuring a robust supply chain. With the total Series A funding now at $23.3 million, BSI aims to achieve several key milestones, including the acceleration of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) production of QS-21 for human vaccines. Additionally, the funds will enhance BSI’s R&D capabilities by expanding its laboratories in Davis, California, to support the long-term quality and supply of QS-21.

BSI has already announced a significant partnership with Croda Pharma for the QS-21 pharmaceutical adjuvant, and the increased production capacity will open further opportunities for collaboration with vaccine developers. This move is set to strengthen BSI's position as a leader in the high-value botanical ingredients market, projected to reach $312.6 billion by 2033.

“This financing round is a pivotal step in advancing our mission to deliver sustainable, high-quality botanical products,” said Gaston Salinas, CEO of Botanical Solution Inc. “BSI’s unique and proprietary platform for a truly sustainable and scalable production of plant-based products without sourcing raw materials from nature or conventional plantations has given birth to world-class products for human and plant health.”

BSI, a Delaware Corporation, leverages its proprietary R&D platform for the sustainable and improved production of consistent, high-quality Advanced Botanical Materials (ABM). ABM-01, the first product developed by BSI, is derived from tissue-cultured Quillaja saponaria plants. ABM-01 serves as the active ingredient in BSI’s biopesticide Quillibrium® and the adjuvant QS-21, essential in modern vaccine development.

The company's innovative solutions for human pharmaceuticals and agricultural products are positioning BSI at the forefront of the botanical ingredients sector. With the new funding, BSI is set to enhance its R&D capabilities and scale its operations to meet the growing demand for sustainable, high-quality botanical products.