WACKER has launched a bioengineered growth factor called FGF-2 Food for use in cultivated meat production. This growth factor promotes cell proliferation and prevents premature differentiation, allowing for the use of cell culture media without animal-derived components. The ingredient is highly purified and meets strict quality standards, making it a sustainable and scalable alternative for cultivated meat producers.

By using FGF-2 Food, cultivated meat producers can reduce costs and scale their technologies, making cultivated meat more accessible to consumers. WACKER claims to be the first manufacturer capable of supplying commercially viable quantities of cell culture media ingredients in food-grade quality. The rollout of FGF-2 Food will initially focus on the US market, with plans to expand to Asia and Europe next year, with deliveries set to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025.