HTL Biotechnology Acquires Modern Meadows Human Recombinant Collagen Platform for New Cosmetic Innovations

New Jersey-based Modern Meadow exits the beauty business. The sustainable biomaterials producer has sold its beauty and biomedical division to France-based HTL Biotechnology, a pharmaceutical-grade polymer producer.

The deal primarily includes Modern Meadow’s recombinant protein platform for the production of materials such as vegan human recombinant collagen type III (rhCOL3), developed in the U.S. and produced in Europe for use in cosmetics and aesthetics.

The acquisition will propel HTL Biotechnology into the $9.76 billion global collagen market, which is expected to grow 9.6% annually between 2024 and 2030, driven by cosmetics and other industries.

HTL Biotechnology’s GMP biofermentation expertise is expected to support this newly acquired platform in developing “disruptive innovations that leverage a portfolio of biopolymers and accelerate the company’s innovation capabilities,” the company said.

Modern Meadow’s involvement in the beauty industry includes new product launches in partnership with companies such as Evonik. In February 2024, Evonik launched Vecollage Fortify L, a biotech-based, vegan, skin-identical and sustainable collagen for beauty applications such as anti-aging and moisturizers. The material was developed in partnership with Modern Meadow Inc., which first developed vegan, biocompatible collagen under the Bio-Coll@gen brand.

Vecollage Fortify L reportedly has a positive impact on the mid-dermis of the skin, preventing age-related degeneration while also stimulating the skin’s own collagen production. The launch of Vecollage Fortify L is part of Evonik’s broader initiative to develop non-animal and sustainable collagen.

Following this acquisition, HTL Biotechnology’s portfolio includes pharmaceutical-grade hyaluronic acid, polynucleotides, and products under development such as heparin and botulinum toxin, in addition to human recombinant collagen. The company’s North American foothold will continue to expand, including HTL Biotechnology Manufacturing Inc. in Massachusetts and the new company in Nutley, New Jersey.

François Fournier, CEO of HTL Biotechnology, said: “I am very excited about the commercialization of this new vegan biopolymer, the diversification of our business and the prospects this acquisition opens for our joint innovation. HTL Biotechnology thus becomes a pioneer in the human recombinant collagen market, having been a pioneer in the bioproduction of hyaluronic acid 30 years ago. The depth of our biopolymer portfolio is unique and we are very proud to be able to better serve our customers. On behalf of HTL Biotechnology, I am pleased to welcome the aesthetic and biomedical team of Modern Meadow.”

Fournier added: “This strategic acquisition marks an acceleration in the development, international expansion and diversification of HTL Biotechnology’s product portfolio. It consolidates its leadership in the biopolymer sector by offering a broad and innovative product range.” commented Paul Navarre, Chairman of HTL Biotechnology.