What Freda Biological does

Shandong Freda Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (operating as Freda Biological) is a Jinan, China-headquartered biotechnology company that uses synthetic biology and microbial fermentation to produce specialty biochemical ingredients sold B2B to enterprise customers in food, cosmetic & personal care, and pharmaceutical end-markets. The company operates a portfolio spanning green food preservatives (Natamycin/E235, Nisin/E234, ε-Polylysine), high-performance cosmetic actives (Ectoin, Sodium Polyglutamate, Hydroxypropyl Tetrahydropyrantriol/Pro-Xylane, recombinant Type III Collagen, GABA, Matrix-Colla-1, tranexamic acid, 10-HDA, hydroxytyrosol, VC derivatives), GMP-grade active pharmaceutical ingredients (Tadalafil, Gliclazide, Felbinac, Hydroxytyrosol, Decamethoxin, Memantine Hydrochloride, Oxybuprocaine, Cetilistat), pharmaceutical intermediates, agricultural materials, and Chinese medicine extracts. Industrial operations are distributed across seven specialized production bases in Jinan, Linshu, Jining, and Yili (Xinjiang), including two National Green Factories.

The company's commercial model is sales-led and event-driven B2B distribution: direct enterprise sales from the Jinan sales office, export sales into more than 70 countries across North America, EU, Japan-Korea, and Southeast Asia, and an active trade-show presence at PCHi, In-Cosmetics Korea, and Food Ingredients China. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed. Freda holds FDA Drug Master File certifications for Ectoin (DMF No. 038868) and Natamycin (DMF No. 042063), completed the first China NMPA Master File registration for sodium polyglutamate in medical devices (No. M2024350-000), and operates quality systems aligned with ICH, EDQM, PMDA, GMP, CNAS, ISO9001, ISO22000, BRC, KOSHER, HALAL, and COSMOS.

Freda is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Shanghai-listed Lushang Development Co., Ltd. (stock code: 600223), part of the Lushang Group founded in 1993. Underlying R&D scale includes a 400-member team across four national-level platforms (including National Enterprise Technology Center and Academician Workstation), 17 provincial facilities, 400+ patents, three Second Prizes and one Third Prize in China's National Science and Technology Progress Awards, and academic alliances with Zhejiang University, Shandong University, and Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica. The company executed a roughly $115.5M funding round on 2021-11-25 with China Merchants Venture Capital, GF Venture Capital, Tencent, and VStar Capital.

Name

Freda Biological

Legal name

Shandong Freda Biotechnology Co.,Ltd.

Website

https://en.fredabiotech.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Freda Biological (Shandong Freda Biotechnology Co., Ltd.) is a Jinan, China-based B2B biotechnology company that uses synthetic biology and microbial fermentation to manufacture specialty food preservatives, cosmetic active ingredients, GMP-grade pharmaceutical APIs, and agricultural materials, selling to enterprise customers in over 70 countries as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Shanghai-listed Lushang Development (600223).

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Specialty Biochemical Ingredients

NAICS

Biological Product (except Diagnostic) Manufacturing (325414), Food Manufacturing (311)

SIC

Medicinal Chemicals & Botanical Products (2833), Biological Products, (No Disgnostic Substances) (2836), Food And Kindred Products (2000)

akta.pro primary industry

Bio-based Pharmaceuticals, Nutraceuticals & Specialty Bioactives (EUAAAIAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Natural Antimicrobials & Clean-Label Preservatives (Plant Extracts, Essential Oils, Fermented Extracts) (AFAJAFAF), Bio-based Food & Flavor Ingredients (Non-fuel Co-products: sweeteners, organic acids, flavors) (EUAAAIAJ), Proteins & Functional Nutrition Ingredients (Plant/Animal Proteins, Collagen, Amino Acids) (CRADAOAJ), Condition-Specific Bioactives (Glucosamine/Chondroitin, Plant Sterols, Melatonin, Lutein/Zeaxanthin) (AFAJAKAK)

Keywords

• Microbial fermentation ingredients
• Food preservative additives
• Cosmetic active ingredients
• Pharmaceutical API manufacturing
• Synthetic biology materials

Headquarters

HQ city

Jinan

HQ country

China

HQ region

Asia

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Green Food Additives: Research, development, production and sales of food additives including Natamycin (E235), Nisin (E234), ε-Polylysine and its hydrochloride, compound food additives.
2. Natural Cosmetic Ingredients: Cosmetic raw materials covering Ectoin, Sodium Polyglutamate (PGA), Hydroxypropyl Tetrahydropyrantriol, fermentation filtrates via synthetic biology fermentation technology. Also includes recombinant collagen, Centella asiatica extracts, and functional actives like VC ethyl ether and tranexamic acid.
3. Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs): Freda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. focuses on R&D, production and sales of APIs including Tadalafil, Gliclazide, Felbinac, Hydroxytyrosol, and others, built to GMP standards.
4. Functional Food Raw Materials: Functional food raw materials such as γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA), medicinal and edible extracts, solid condiments, S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine, Astaxanthin.
5. Pharmaceutical Intermediates: Products including Exemestane, Finasteride, Androstenedione, 11-alpha-Hydroxycarvenone, Ascomycin, Echinocandin B.
6. Agricultural Materials: Agricultural materials including Radix Scutellariae, Salvia Miltiorrhiza, and Ectoin for agricultural applications such as crop yield enhancement and stress resistance.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Freda Biological produces biochemical ingredients through proprietary microbial/synthetic biology fermentation for sale to B2B enterprise customers. Its offerings span green food preservatives (Natamycin, Nisin, ε-Polylysine), natural cosmetic active ingredients (Ectoin, Sodium Polyglutamate, Pro-Xylane, recombinant collagen), active pharmaceutical ingredients (Tadalafil, Gliclazide, Felbinac), agricultural materials, pharmaceutical intermediates, and Chinese medicinal extracts. Products reach enterprise customers across nutrition & food, cosmetic & personal care, and pharmaceutical industries in over 70 countries.

Product overview

Freda Biological (Shandong Freda Biotechnology Co., Ltd.) operates as an international first-class microbial fermentation platform under Lushang Freda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Stock Code: 600223), producing biochemical ingredients across three primary categories: food ingredients (natamycin, Nisin, ε-polylysine, GABA, pullulan, astaxanthin, S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine, sucrose fermentation products), cosmetic ingredients (ectoin, sodium polyglutamate/PGA, hydroxypropyl tetrahydropyrantriol/Pro-Xylane, 3-o-ethyl-ascorbic acid, tranexamic acid, 10-HDA, hydroxytyrosol, recombinant collagens, matrix repair complexes, ferment filtrates), and active pharmaceutical ingredients (tadalafil, gliclazide, felbinac, hydroxytyrosol, decamethoxin, memantine hydrochloride, oxybuprocaine hydrochloride, cetilistat). The company also produces agricultural materials (ectoin, γ-PGA, medicinal plant extracts) and natural Chinese medicine extracts (paeonol, salvia miltiorrhiza, scutellaria baicalensis). Products reach over 70 countries. Freda Biotechnology (established 2008) focuses on synthetic biology fermentation industrialization of high-end raw materials, while the parent Lushang Freda Pharmaceutical is the founder and leader of China's hyaluronic acid industry.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Yilian (Lotus Care): Healthcare sub-brand under Freda master brand
• Aier Boshi (Dr. Alva)
• Yipaerhan (Ile Fragrance)
• Mingren
• Runjie
• Special

Products and services

• Ectoin A cyclic amino acid derivative produced by microbial fermentation, used as a cosmetic active ingredient for skin moisturizing, soothing, and barrier repair; also supplied as an API with FDA DMF clearance.
• Sodium Polyglutamate (PGA) A water-soluble, high-molecular-weight biopolymer produced by microbial fermentation with excellent moisturizing properties, used as a cosmetic active and as a raw material for medical devices.
• Hydroxypropyl Tetrahydropyrantriol (Pro-Xylane) A xylose derivative with anti-aging effects that promotes glycosaminoglycan (including hyaluronic acid) synthesis and collagen production to restore skin fullness, firmness, and elasticity.
• 3-o-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid A stabilized derivative of vitamin C functioning as a cosmetic tyrosinase inhibitor with whitening and antioxidant properties for skincare formulations.
• γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) - Cosmetic Grade A naturally-occurring non-protein amino acid that relieves muscle cell tension, repairs the epidermis, and promotes synthesis of hyaluronic acid and collagen in cosmetic formulations.
• Matrix-Colla-1 Collagen Repair Complex A high-purity recombinant protein complex that supplements the extracellular matrix (ECM) proteome, restoring the optimal dermal ratio and firming the ECM structure for anti-wrinkle and skin-rebuilding cosmetic applications.
• Polylysine (Cosmetic Grade) A natural peptide preservative polymerized from lysine monomers via biological fermentation with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, used for skin barrier repair and hair conditioning in cosmetic formulations.
• Pullulan (Cosmetic Grade) A polymer biological polysaccharide produced by microbial fermentation with film-forming property, adhesion, and foam stability, used in skin care, hair care, makeup, and facial cleaning products.
• Tranexamic Acid A tyrosinase inhibitor that reduces melanin production for skin brightening, freckle removal, and evening of skin tone in cosmetic formulations.
• 10-Hydroxy-2-decenoic Acid (10-HDA) An unsaturated fatty acid existing only in royal jelly, produced via synthetic biology at high purity (>98%), used for anti-aging and skin repair in cosmetic formulations.
• Hydroxytyrosol (Cosmetic Grade) A natural polyphenol with potent antioxidant activity used for combating oxidation, delaying aging, and brightening complexion in cosmetic formulations.
• VC-IP (Vitamin C Tetraisopalmitate) An oil-soluble vitamin C derivative with high stability, antioxidant properties, melanin inhibition, UV damage protection, and collagen synthesis promotion for cosmetic formulations.
• Recombinant Type III Collagen Recombinant humanized type III collagen produced through synthetic biology technology, targeting skin repair and anti-aging applications in cosmetic formulations.
• Centella Asiatica Extract Extract from Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola) containing four active ingredients (Asiatic acid, Madecassic acid, Asiaticoside, Madecassoside) with antibacterial, repairing, and soothing effects for cosmetic formulations.
• Natamycin (E235) An anti-fungal compound produced by Streptomyces fermentation, used as a food preservative for cheese, cakes, and other foods, effectively inhibiting yeasts and molds at minimum inhibitory concentrations of 1-10 mg/kg; also supplied as an API.
• Nisin (E234) An antimicrobial peptide produced by microbial fermentation that effectively inhibits Gram-positive bacteria and heat-resistant Bacillus spores, used as a food preservative in meat products, dairy drinks, and other food applications.
• γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) - Food Grade A non-protein amino acid functioning as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, used in functional foods and health-care products for sleep improvement, nerve soothing, and anti-fatigue effects.
• ε-Polylysine A natural biopolymer composed of lysine monomers linked by peptide bonds, produced through fermentation of microorganisms such as Streptomyces albulus, used as a broad-spectrum food preservative.
• Pullulan (Food Grade) A polymer biological polysaccharide produced by microbial fermentation with good film-forming and adhesion properties, widely used in food products for candy, snacks, glazing, and adhesion applications.
• S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine Disulfate Tosylate A physiologically active substance with effects of maintaining normal cell function, promoting cell regeneration, antioxidant activity, and free radical scavenging, used as a functional food raw material.
• Astaxanthin A highly efficient pure natural antioxidant used to scavenge free radicals and improve anti-aging capability, with applications in health care products, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food additives.
• Sucrose Fermentation Product A fermentation product from white granulated sugar and yeast extract using GRAS-selected bacteria, used in meat, dairy, baking, and beverage products to produce, change, or improve food flavor.
• Tadalafil API A pharmaceutical API (CAS 171596-29-5) appearing as white or almost white crystalline powder, produced by Freda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. under GMP standards for therapeutic applications.
• Gliclazide API An oral hypoglycemic API (CAS 21187-98-4) conforming to EP 9.0 standards, produced under GMP standards.
• Felbinac API An API (CAS 5728-52-9, 4-(1,1'-biphenyl)-acetic acid) appearing as white or almost white crystalline powder, manufactured under GMP standards.
• Hydroxytyrosol API An API (CAS 10597-60-1) with assay >95.0%, appearing as colorless transparent viscous liquid, manufactured under GMP standards.
• Decamethoxin API An antiseptic/disinfectant API (CAS 38146-42-8) with molecular formula C38H74Cl2N2O4, manufactured under GMP standards.
• Memantine Hydrochloride API An API (CAS 41100-52-1) used for Alzheimer disease treatment, chemical formula C12H21N·HCl, manufactured under GMP standards.
• Oxybuprocaine Hydrochloride API A local anesthetic API (molecular formula C17H28N2O3HCl) appearing as white crystalline powder, manufactured under GMP standards.
• Cetilistat API An API (CAS 282526-98-1) with molecular formula C25H39NO3, used as a weight management agent, manufactured under GMP standards.
• Pharmaceutical Intermediates Portfolio A portfolio of pharmaceutical intermediate compounds including Exemestane, Finasteride, Androstenedione, 11-alpha-Hydroxycarvenone, Ascomycin, and Echinocandin B, supplied to pharmaceutical manufacturers.
• Ectoin (Agricultural Grade) An amino acid derivative for agricultural use as a multifunctional active ingredient that protects plants from extreme conditions in salt lakes, hot springs, ice blocks, deep seas, or deserts, with strong water retention and osmotic pressure protection capabilities.
• γ-Polyglutamic Acid (Agricultural Grade) A water-soluble, biodegradable, non-toxic biological polymer produced by microbial fermentation, used as a yield-increasing nutrient for plants with water retention, soil pH balancing, heavy metal binding, and disease resistance enhancement properties.
• Radix Scutellariae (Agricultural) A medicinal plant extract used in agricultural applications.
• Salvia Miltiorrhiza (Agricultural) A medicinal plant extract used in agricultural applications.
• Medicinal Materials Traditional Chinese medicine ingredients including hawthorn, scutellaria baicalensis, poria, honeysuckle, rose, spina date seed, and mantis egg-case supplied to traditional Chinese medicine manufacturers and health product companies.
• Natural Extracted Series (Chinese Medicine Extracts) Chinese medicine extract products including paeonol, salvia miltiorrhiza extract, scutellaria baicalensis extract, mentha viridis (spearmint) hydrolat, essential oil, ginseng extract, honeysuckle extract, and licorice extract.
• Hyaluronic Acid (HA) As the pioneer and leader of China's hyaluronic acid industry, Lushang Freda Pharmaceutical produces HA as a flagship ingredient integrated across pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and functional food applications.

Quantifiable outcome

• Products reach over 70 countries globally
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.

• Sinopharm Reed ExhibitionsflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 18 March 2026Sinopharm Reed Exhibitions organized the PCHi 2026 conference. Freda co-operated the enterprise forum 'Based on Depth, Applied Without Bounds' at PCHi 2026, featuring Freda speakers and product showcases.
• Zhejiang UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic research partnership within Freda's industrial-academic-research ecosystem. Freda forges sustained industry-academia-research synergies with leading institutions to advance R&D in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and biotechnology.
• Shandong UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic research partnership within Freda's industrial-academic-research ecosystem for joint development of new pharmaceutical and cosmetic ingredients.
• Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of SciencescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic R&D partnership with Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica under Chinese Academy of Sciences, contributing to Freda's 30+ national/ministerial R&D projects and innovation pipeline.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Bloomage Biotechnology: China's leading hyaluronic acid producer and Freda's most direct domestic competitor in fermentation-derived cosmetic and medical-grade HA. Bloomage overlaps heavily on PGA, recombinant collagen, and HA-based skincare actives, and both companies target the same multinational cosmetic and medical device customers globally.
• Fufeng Group: Chinese fermentation heavyweight producing amino acids (MSG, lysine, threonine), food preservatives, and bioproducts via microbial fermentation. Direct competitor to Freda in food preservatives and fermentation-based specialty ingredients with overlapping global customer bases.

Broad incumbents

• DSM-Firmenich: Dutch global ingredients giant combining nutrition, health, and personal care ingredients with a large fermentation and biotech portfolio. Competes with Freda across food preservatives, cosmetic actives (including Ectoin), and APIs, and supplies the same multinational CPG, cosmetic, and pharma customers Freda serves.
• Novonesis (formerly Novozymes): Global leader in industrial enzymes and microbial fermentation. Overlaps with Freda's fermentation-based production platform across food ingredients, agricultural inputs, and specialty bioactives, and represents the kind of scaled fermentation incumbent that could enter Freda's niche molecules.
• IFF (International Flavors & Fragrances): Global ingredients platform spanning flavors, fragrances, food ingredients, and cultured bioproducts (via the Danisco/Health & Biosciences franchise). Overlaps with Freda in fermentation-derived food preservatives, flavors, and biotech actives, and serves the same multinational CPG and F&B customers.
• Lonza Group: Swiss CDMO and API manufacturer with extensive microbial and mammalian fermentation capacity. Comparable to Freda's API and pharmaceutical intermediate business, particularly in fermentation-derived small molecules and biologics, and competes for global pharma customers.
• Evonik Industries: German specialty chemicals company with biotech fermentation capabilities across cosmetic actives, food ingredients, and pharma APIs. Overlaps with Freda in amino acids, specialty cosmetic actives, and fermentation-based intermediates serving global B2B customers.

Others

• Croda International: UK specialty ingredients supplier with a major personal care actives portfolio including bioactives, botanicals, and fermentation-derived cosmetic ingredients. Direct competitor to Freda in Ectoin, PGA, Pro-Xylane-class, and recombinant collagen categories supplying global cosmetic brands.

Regional players

• Meihua Biological: Chinese amino acid and fermentation products manufacturer with significant capacity in lysine, MSG, and specialty fermentation ingredients. Comparable to Freda's fermentation platform and food ingredient lines, primarily serving food, feed, and nutrition customers across Asia.

Emerging players

• Lallemand: Canadian privately-held fermentation specialist producing yeast, probiotics, and fermentation-derived ingredients for food, nutrition, and agricultural applications. Overlaps with Freda in fermentation-based bioactives and agricultural bioproducts, and shares a similar B2B specialty ingredients model.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance12 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors4 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Freda Biological