Brightseed and Haleon Partner to Unlock AI-Driven Plant-Based Health Discoveries

Brightseed, a biotech company specialising in AI-driven discovery, has teamed up with consumer health leader Haleon. The partnership aims to uncover new plant-based compounds with potential health benefits. Brightseed’s platform uses advanced technology to speed up research and development in this growing field. Brightseed’s core tool is Forager, an AI-powered platform that analyses plant-based molecules. It predicts which compounds could target specific biological processes, offering potential health advantages. The system also helps identify natural sources, sourcing routes, or even microbial fermentation methods for producing these bioactives.

Haleon’s team will now access Forager directly under the new agreement. This collaboration builds on Brightseed’s existing model, which includes upfront payments and subscription-based access to its tools. Partners use the platform to explore product portfolios, validate compounds, or move straight to clinical trials without lengthy pre-clinical testing. The company is also improving Forager’s accessibility. Generative AI tools will allow third parties to interact with the system using natural language, simplifying complex data searches. Brightseed’s database already links thousands of plant compounds to biological targets, giving researchers a head start in identifying promising candidates. Brightseed has already developed two products from its discoveries. The first is a bioactive fibre made from upcycled hemp hulls, containing two key compounds: N-trans-caffeoyl tyramine (NCT) and N-trans-feruloyl tyramine (NFT). A second product, currently in development, will be a purified version of NCT and NFT, produced through microbial fermentation for broader use.

The partnership with Haleon expands Brightseed’s reach in the consumer health market. By combining AI-driven discovery with Haleon’s industry expertise, the collaboration could accelerate the launch of new plant-based health products. Forager’s enhanced accessibility may also attract more companies looking to tap into Brightseed’s growing database of bioactives.