Latvian biotech company síbiotech: combining the power of nature and scientific innovation
Over the past couple of years, the Latvian biotech industry has been experiencing rapid development, and one of the brightest examples of this is company síbiotech. This Riga-based company produces high added-value health products, specialising in plant-based Omega fatty acids and antioxidants. síbiotech has established a strong presence not only in the Baltic States, but also further afield in international markets.
The story of síbiotech began with an ambitious goal – to combine science, natural resources and modern technologies to create products that promote health and sustainable living. Kristaps Ērglis, CEO of the company, explains that the idea was born out of an already established collaboration with doctors, scientists, hospitals and universities in the field of clinical research. This experience served as the basis for developing high-quality, scientifically sound products using Latvia’s natural treasures, such as sea buckthorn, as raw materials.
The company has developed a unique technology that extracts Omega-3, Omega-6, Omega-7 and Omega-9 fatty acids from sea buckthorn seeds using supercritical CO₂ extraction. This method is not only sustainable, but also ensures a pure and safe product without unwanted additives. In addition, síbiotech has started growing microalgae in photobioreactors to offer an even wider range of health products in the future, including antioxidants such as fucoxanthin and astaxanthin.
Products and innovations
The main product of síbiotech is HIPPOCOR®, a capsule that promotes cardiovascular health thanks to sea buckthorn seed extract, which contains Omega fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins. The product has been developed with the health-conscious and natural dietary supplement in mind. The company is continuously growing, working with Estonian partners from BioCC OÜ to create an innovative product combining sea buckthorn extract and probiotic bacteria. Clinical trials are currently underway to assess the health effects of this product.
Another promising avenue is microalgae research. Scientists at síbiotech are working on the propagation and analysis of different microalgae species with a view to offering, in the near future, high quality Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants as a sustainable alternative to traditional fish products.
A new factory just outside Riga
The company’s production facility is located in Riga, where a modern laboratory and a state-of-the-art photobioreactor with a capacity of 4400 litres ensure the cultivation of microalgae under controlled conditions. In 2025, síbiotech plans to install a new capsule production facility that will enable the production of high-quality plant-based soft-shell capsules. In addition, by the end of 2026, the construction of a new production facility will be completed just outside Riga, which will strengthen the company’s position in the green biopharmaceutical sector and help it to achieve internationally recognised quality standards. síbiotech provides a full production cycle – from raw material cultivation to finished products.
A place in the Baltic and global market
síbiotech products are sold on the domestic market (about 70%) and exported to Lithuania, Scandinavian countries and the United States. The company cooperates with pharmacy chains, health product platforms and pharmaceutical companies. Unlike many competitors that focus on fish-derived Omega fatty acids, síbiotech offers a plant-based alternative that is not only healthy but also sustainable in the face of growing concerns about overexploitation and pollution of fish resources.
Participation in international exhibitions such as CPHI Japan 2025 and the opening of the Latvia-Lithuania Pavilion at EXPO 2025 Osaka has demonstrated the company’s competitiveness. According to Inese Mauriņa, the company’s spokesperson, participation in such events not only helped to understand the requirements of the Asian market, but also generated interest from potential partners in Japan, China, Mongolia and Malaysia. Experience with the Japanese market highlighted the importance of trust and long-term relationships, as well as the need to offer unique and scientifically sound products.
síbiotech actively uses the support programmes offered by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), including for the promotion of external marketing. This support has been essential for the company to present itself in international markets and to make new contacts. In the future, síbiotech plans to expand exports, strengthen its position in the green biopharmaceutical sector and continue to invest in research and innovation.