Singapore start-up taps peptide power to tackle pet infections, seeks to replace chemical preservatives
Singapore-based biotech startup Healbac is developing antimicrobial peptides to treat pet skin infections. Originally intended as a food preservative to replace sodium nitrite, the technology is now being pivoted toward veterinary applications.
Why it matters
This innovation offers a potential alternative to systemic antibiotics, which helps combat the growing global crisis of antibiotic resistance in both animals and humans.
Itchy and scratchy: Bazel the beagle could soon find relief from his itchy skin with a new peptide-based cream. 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 for pets.
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