Desert Harvest Launches 1st Human-Identical Lactoferrin for Menopause

Chosen by Helaina Biotech to bring its breakthrough ingredient effera™ to the menopause market — a first-of-its-kind milk protein that supports hormone, immune, and vaginal health

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Sept. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Desert Harvest, a clinically trusted leader in pelvic and hormonal wellness, today announced the launch of the first menopause supplement to feature human-identical lactoferrin. The breakthrough product combines effera™, developed by biotechnology company Helaina, with Desert Harvest's patented Super Strength Aloe Vera Capsules to deliver a new class of support for women navigating perimenopause and menopause.

This is the first supplement of its kind. It is hormone-free, dairy-free, and designed specifically to help women manage symptoms of menopause through biological compatibility, not synthetic workarounds. "Women deserve science-backed solutions that reflect the complexity of their bodies," said Heather Florio, CEO of Desert Harvest. "With effera™, we are introducing a human-specific immune protein that works in harmony with our patented aloe. This is not just a new formula. It is a new standard for menopause support."

Why effera™ Matters

effera™ is the first human-identical lactoferrin approved for use in food and supplements. Unlike bovine lactoferrin, which can cause immune reactions and poor absorption, effera™ is precision-engineered to match the protein structure found in human milk. It is developed using precision fermentation and is free from animal byproducts.

Recent clinical and safety studies have shown:

• No immune reaction in participants taking effera™, compared to significant antibody response in those who took bovine lactoferrin
• Similar digestion and peptide profiles between effera™ and natural human lactoferrin, supporting bioavailability and gut compatibility
• Low allergy risk confirmed through pepsin digestion and cross-reactivity assessments
• High safety margin, with no observed adverse effects at more than 100 times the intended human dose in toxicology studies

This body of research supports effera™ as a well-tolerated, biologically relevant ingredient for use in menopause and beyond.

Targeted Menopause Support with Clinically Proven Aloe

The new Desert Harvest supplement combines 300 mg of effera™ with its proprietary Super Strength Aloe Vera, used for decades to soothe mucosal tissue and aid nutrient absorption. The formula is designed to address:

• Hormonal fluctuations and vaginal dryness
• Iron deficiency and fatigue
• Gut and microbiome changes
• Inflammation and immune stress

The product contains no hormones, soy, dairy, or artificial fillers. It reflects Desert Harvest's long-standing commitment to natural solutions backed by clinical research.

Strategic First in Menopause Care

Desert Harvest is the first company to launch effera™ in a menopause-focused supplement, establishing an exclusive leadership position within the practitioner channel.

Helaina, the company behind effera™, is a biotechnology leader backed by more than 80 million dollars in funding and is scaling human-identical proteins for mainstream consumer use. "effera™ is the future of bioactive ingredients," said Laura Katz, Founder and CEO of Helaina. "Desert Harvest is leading the way in bringing this innovation to women's health, and we are proud to support their vision."

Product Availability

Desert Harvest's menopause supplement featuring effera™ is available now at www.desertharvest.com and through select clinical providers. Additional research on the formula is in progress.

About Desert Harvest

Desert Harvest is a family-owned company based in Asheville, North Carolina. Founded in 1993, it is known for pioneering safe, effective solutions for bladder health, pelvic pain, UTIs, and menopause. Its patented Super Strength Aloe Vera Capsules are used in more than 50 countries by urologists, gynecologists, and functional medicine providers.

Learn more at www.desertharvest.com

About Helaina

Helaina is a biotechnology company producing human-equivalent bioactive proteins through precision fermentation. Its flagship ingredient, effera™ human lactoferrin, mirrors the immune and nutritional properties of the protein found in human milk. Helaina is redefining what nutrition can do through safe, scalable, and human-specific ingredients.

Learn more at www.helaina.com

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SOURCE Desert Harvest