Danish biotech startup Alcolase has raised €1.5 million with investment from Ada Ventures, Delphinus Venture Capital, Antler, Manigoff Invest and a group of business angels.
Alcolase is developing an enzyme-based technology designed to break down alcohol in the stomach before it is absorbed into the bloodstream.
The technology is aimed at approximately 540 million people in East Asia living with ALDH2 deficiency, a genetic variant that makes it difficult for the body to break down alcohol effectively and can lead to flushing, nausea and discomfort, as well as increased health risks associated with alcohol consumption. The idea began as a conversation in a student dorm during the coronavirus pandemic.
Mikkel Precht and his co-founders wanted to use their knowledge of biotechnology to solve a real-world problem.
After exploring a wide range of global health challenges, they kept returning to one issue: alcohol intolerance.
