Haleon and Brightseed join forces to unlock plant-based health breakthroughs

Consumer health company Haleon has teamed up with Brightseed to speed up the discovery of plant-based health ingredients. The partnership will give Haleon’s researchers direct access to Brightseed’s AI-powered Forager platform. Together, they aim to uncover new benefits from overlooked plant compounds. Brightseed specialises in using artificial intelligence to explore the health potential of plants and fungi. Its Forager platform analyses vast datasets to predict which natural components could offer medical or nutritional advantages. The system helps partners bypass early-stage testing, moving straight to clinical trials for faster results.

The company has already developed two products. The first is a bioactive fibre made from upcycled hemp hulls, designed to support gut health and weight management. The second is a purified form of NCT and NFT, produced through microbial fermentation for broader use in health applications. Haleon, known for brands like Advil, Panadol, Theraflu, and Centrum, will now integrate Forager into its research. The platform will also provide deeper insights into the composition of Haleon’s existing products. Meanwhile, Brightseed is expanding access to Forager by adding generative AI tools, making it easier for third parties to explore new bioactives. Beyond discovery, Brightseed assists partners in bringing these compounds to market. The collaboration with Haleon marks a step toward applying AI-driven research to well-known consumer health products.

The deal allows Haleon to tap into Brightseed’s AI capabilities for identifying novel plant-based ingredients. Forager’s ability to skip pre-clinical stages could shorten development timelines for new health solutions. The partnership may lead to expanded product lines under Haleon’s established brands.