Shiru Launches Innovative GLP-1 Innovation Alliance for Appetite Regulation
Shiru, an innovative startup utilizing AI technology for ingredient discovery, is actively inviting food companies to join its platform. The focus is on identifying natural ingredients that stimulate the production of GLP-1, a gut hormone known for its role in regulating appetite.
Introducing the GLP-1 Innovation Alliance
The newly established GLP-1 Innovation Alliance aims to create an industry consortium that encourages collaboration among Fortune 500 consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies and emerging brands. As an equal partnership, members will utilize Shiru’s cutting-edge platform to discover natural proteins and peptides that effectively bind to GLP-1 receptors, as well as other receptors involved in appetite regulation and metabolism.
AI-Powered Ingredient Discovery
Shiru’s ingredient discovery platform is user-friendly, featuring a simple web interface that allows users to explore a vast database of millions of molecules. These can be searched based on protein sequence, functional application, and successful expression in microbial systems through precise fermentation techniques.
The company approaches the task of protein discovery by focusing on the specific functions that these proteins must perform, such as binding to GLP-1 receptors. By transforming these requirements into targeted prompts for search algorithms, Shiru identifies potential proteins that meet these needs. For partners lacking in-house production capabilities, Shiru can produce samples of identified proteins.
Significantly, Shiru can also evaluate the scalability and cost-effectiveness of protein manufacturing in microbial hosts, ensuring that their discoveries are not only functionally relevant but also practical for production.
Revolutionizing Food Innovation with Advanced Tools
Founder and CEO Dr. Jasmin Hume explained to AgFunderNews that Shiru employs advanced tools from the pharmaceutical sector, which are not traditionally associated with the food industry. These include extensive proteomic databases and methodologies like AI and machine learning, which are increasingly becoming valuable in food science.
“You don’t need to hire molecular biologists or assemble a specialized AI team; you simply need to understand your ingredient requirements,” Dr. Hume emphasized, highlighting the accessibility of Shiru’s solutions to various companies.
Addressing the current interest in appetite regulation, Dr. Hume noted that while GLP1R is a significant receptor for weight management, there exist multiple receptors and targets that regulate appetite suppression—each offering unique avenues for exploration.
Exploring a New Frontier: Nature’s Ozempic
The query arises: how does Shiru identify proteins capable of binding to GLP-1 receptors? Dr. Hume revealed that the company has developed groundbreaking machine learning algorithms tailored to predict which proteins can effectively interact with these receptors. Furthermore, Shiru can analyze groups of known responsive proteins to find structurally or sequentially similar candidates.
Gil Horsky from FLORA Ventures spotlighted the potential in the “Nature’s Ozempic” space as still relatively untapped. While manufacturers in the pharmaceutical field focus on non-natural molecules, the food sector presents fewer companies strategically targeting this area.
Given that GLP-1 and other satiety hormones, like PYY and amylin, are rapidly broken down in the body, Shiru anticipates creating combinations of ingredients to achieve sustained appetite suppression. “The opportunities here are vast,” Dr. Hume remarked, foreseeing layered approaches to holistic solutions.
A Novel Business Model for Collaboration
Shiru has experienced a surge in inquiries about appetite regulation solutions in recent months. To democratize access to these innovative responses, they are introducing a flexible business model aimed at fostering collaborations.
“We’re launching this initiative on a non-exclusive basis to ensure everyone can participate without being priced out,” Dr. Hume explained. The new engagement model will feature various tiers:
- Discovery Leaders: For companies eager to play an influential role in research and gain exclusive licensing rights to findings.
- Innovation Partners: Focused collaborations on specific applications with sample access.
- Observer Members: For companies that want to stay updated on progress at a more affordable price point.
Organizations interested in joining can learn more here. Dr. Hume has set a deadline of August 15 for founding members, with the next opportunity to join slated for summer 2026.
Further Reading
For additional insights, explore these articles:
- ‘Pharma is eating Big Food’s lunch…’ Lembas fights back with GLP-1 boosting peptide
- NotCo CEO discusses profitability, evolving business models, and new GLP-1 boosters
- GLP-1 drugs are reshaping America’s food preferences—IFF reports on taste perception changes
Watch our recent interview with Dr. Jasmin Hume at Future Food-Tech San Francisco below:
