In an exclusive interview following their recent announcement of a $56 million Series C funding round, Antheia CEO Dr. Christina Smolke detailed how the Menlo Park–based startup is using synthetic biology to reshape pharmaceutical supply chains and alleviate persistent global drug shortages.

Antheia’s biomanufacturing platform uses engineered yeast cells to convert sugars into complex pharmaceutical ingredients. Compared to legacy agricultural methods, Antheia’s platform reduces production timelines from years to weeks, and ensures consistent, sustainable supply. As global pharmaceutical reliance on plant-derived ingredients remains high—over 40% for key starting materials (KSMs) and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)—Antheia’s technology offers a compelling solution to agricultural vulnerabilities such as climate disruptions and geopolitical risks. The company’s pipeline is particularly promising, with over 70 biosynthetic pharmaceutical ingredients across seven therapeutic areas.

The company’s recent commercial-scale shipment of thebaine—a vital component in the overdose-reversal medication Narcan—represented a landmark achievement, proving Antheia’s technological scalability and market readiness. “Delivering our first shipment of thebaine was a turning point for us,” Dr. Smolke emphasized. “Not only have we demonstrated the technical viability of our biosynthesis platform, but we have also shown that it can be efficiently scaled and commercialized. Our customers have seen first-hand the impact Antheia is having on the industry, and our investors recognize the transformative potential of our technology.”

With the latest investment led by Global Health Investment Corporation and EDBI, Antheia will significantly expand its commercialization of thebaine and introduce additional products from its pipeline, prioritizing drugs that frequently experience shortages. “This round is a significant moment for Antheia, moving us into a new chapter of growth as a commercial-stage company,” explained Dr. Smolke. “We’ll expand the commercialization of thebaine, which we launched last year. Additionally, this funding will support our plan to roll out one to two new products commercially each year.”

The funding will also accelerate Antheia’s expansion of domestic manufacturing operations in the United States, addressing critical vulnerabilities in pharmaceutical supply chains. Complementing two recent agreements with the U.S. government’s BioMaP Consortium, valued at a combined $23 million, this initiative underscores the strategic importance of onshoring pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities.

Beyond its U.S. commercial operations, Antheia’s expansion includes strategic initiatives in Singapore and the broader Asia region, aligning with investor EDBI’s aim to solidify Singapore as a global biotech hub. “We’ll collaborate with EDBI and their network of partners to expand Antheia’s impact globally and launch new innovation efforts,” said Dr. Smolke. “With our first product on the market and a second launch approaching, now is the right time to explore broader global markets and other applications of our technology, such as drug innovation.”

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Having previously raised $73 million in Series B funding, Antheia continues to cement its leadership in biomanufacturing innovation—characterized by unmatched efficiency, speed, agility, reliability, and sustainability. “Our technology has significant potential to modernize pharma supply chains for 21st-century healthcare needs,” stated Dr. Smolke. “Inefficient supply chains and medicine shortages are global problems that require global solutions.”

When asked what advice she has for synthetic biology and biotech companies raising capital in 2025, Dr. Smolke emphasized staying focused. “In the biotech industry, especially with a platform as versatile as Antheia’s, the possibilities are endless,” she said. “But for long-term resilience and success, it’s crucial to keep your eye on your core mission, overarching strategy, and fundamental capabilities.”

With solid backing and strategic expansion underway, Antheia is clearly at the forefront of synthetic biology, poised to reshape pharmaceutical supply chains and improve global health.