Animal Health Angels Invests in HERlab to Support the Future of Affordable Biologic Manufacturing
Animal Health Angels is delighted to announce its investment in HERlab, a Cambridge-based biotech and AI startup focused on significantly lowering monoclonal antibody (mAb) manufacturing costs.
HERlab is developing an alternative to the costly and complex biological production systems traditionally used for monoclonal antibodies. The company uses specialised yeasts for mAb production alongside an additional yeast-based innovation for the purification step.
At the core of HERlab's technology is a proprietary AI tool that has analysed more than 1,200 yeast species to identify those best suited to producing different drugs, turning billions of years of evolution into a manufacturing advantage. While currently focused on monoclonal antibodies, the company is also able to develop novel production methods for vaccines and other therapeutic proteins.
HERlab has secured six engineering biology grants from Innovate UK and is venture-backed to build its technology from the ground up. The company is led by an exited founder, a Chief Scientific Officer with deep monoclonal antibody expertise, and a Chief Operating Officer with extensive experience in regulated markets.
Dr Mark Binns, Director at Animal Health Angels, said:
" I was first introduced to HERlab and Dei in 2025, and two things immediately stood out for me: (1) technology that had the potential to be disruptive and create new significant market opportunities and (2) a smart CEO who had already built and exited a company. Having personally invested in the company, it was a pleasure leading them through the AHA investment process, culminating in securing investment from multiple members of the angel group."
Deimena Drasutyte, Founder and CEO of HERlab, said:
"As a CEO, I'm delighted to have specialist investors like Animal Health Angels on board. Backing from people who know the veterinary field is a strong signal that we're tackling a real and pressing problem in animal health - and their network and expertise have already proven invaluable."
This investment marks another important milestone for HERlab as it continues to develop its technology and build on the support it has received from Innovate UK and its early-stage venture investors.
Congratulations to Deimena and the entire HERlab team.