The protein collagen is naturally found only in humans and animals. Obtaining collagen from animal sources poses a challenge for vegans and vegetarians who wish to supplement their diet with collagen. A biotechnology startup based in North Carolina, Jellatech, announced that they have successfully produced cell-based bovine collagen in a lab environment, which does not contain animal-derived ingredients. Following this announcement, Jellatech added that they have also succeeded in producing cell-based human collagen.