The Evolution of Appetite Regulation: Introducing Evolv GLP-1

As the quest for effective weight management solutions continues, various ingredients, from prebiotic fibers to beneficial bacteria, are marketed for their ability to stimulate the production of appetite-regulating hormones like GLP-1. However, these natural alternatives do not possess the prolonged effects seen with medications that can remain in the body for days. Becca McCarthy, co-founder of Evolv, emphasizes this distinction.

Innovative Biomimetic Approach

Evolv, based in San Francisco, is proud to present Evolv GLP-1, a revolutionary dietary supplement. This “biomimetic” product is derived from specially engineered baker’s yeast, designed to produce a peptide that interacts with GLP-1 and GIP receptors while boasting a half-life of 1-2 days.

Unlike traditional supplements, which simply stimulate the body’s natural GLP-1 and GIP production, Evolv GLP-1 mimics these hormones. It is not rapidly degraded by the DPP-4 enzyme, which typically begins to break down naturally-produced GLP-1 in mere minutes.

McCarthy notes, “What we’ve created is a GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist oral supplement that effectively mirrors the body’s native processes, prolonging its activity over approximately 24 hours, compared to the 5-7 days associated with injectable medications.”

Clinical Trials in Progress

While popular medications such as Ozempic and Mounjaro are transforming the weight loss landscape, many individuals find these options inaccessible, unaffordable, or intolerable. Dr. Cory Henderson, another co-founder of Evolv, shares his journey of developing this innovative supplement.

“I conducted extensive research on all GLP-1 receptor activating molecules available. This included months of computational modeling to create peptide structures that effectively engage the receptors,” he explains.

Henderson’s research progressed to in vitro receptor activation assays, showcasing how the designed molecule interacted with GLP-1 and GIP receptors, a measure not easily quantifiable in living organisms.

Following this, animal studies focused on safety and toxicity, proving that even at elevated levels, the supplement remains non-toxic. Currently, a 90-day human clinical study with 120 participants is underway, examining weight loss, appetite suppression, and HbA1C levels.

Balancing Innovation and Accessibility

McCarthy emphasizes the significance of their positioning in the marketplace: “As a dietary supplement, we cannot make drug-related claims. However, in the spectrum of available products, we find ourselves between pharmaceutical drugs and standard supplements like berberine and green tea extract, thus falling into the biomimetics category.”

Henderson adds, “Typical supplements stimulate natural GLP-1 production, but this is quickly broken down. We aimed to develop a molecule that not only traverses the intestinal epithelium effectively but also withstands breakdown by DPP-4 enzymes.”

Broad Application and Future Potential

Instead of extracting peptides from the engineered yeast—a costly process—Evolv markets the dried, shelf-stable yeast as the supplement. Once consumed, the yeast releases the peptide in the digestive tract, engaging with GLP-1 and GIP receptors.

“Our platform has the potential to deliver a wide array of biologics orally without the necessity for refrigeration or purification,” McCarthy adds, highlighting the additional nutritional benefits of yeast.

The company has filed a new dietary ingredient notification (NDIN) with the FDA, which is currently awaiting public availability.

Positive Market Reception

The Evolv GLP-1 supplement has recently launched direct-to-consumer, and McCarthy reports an overwhelming response. “The reaction has been incredible. Many of our early adopters are becoming brand ambassadors.”

Looking ahead, the company aims to explore additional channels and forge strategic partnerships within the next 12 months. McCarthy states, “Our immediate focus is on this supplement, addressing a significant gap in the GLP-1 market between daily supplements like Berberine and injectable diabetes medications. The future holds vast possibilities, and we remain open to various formats and innovations.”

Funding and Infrastructure Support

Evolv has successfully raised $5.8 million in a pre-seed funding round, enabling the company to integrate seamlessly into existing yeast manufacturing supply chains within the United States without needing significant capital expenditure.

Further Reading

• Where Siddhi Capital is placing its bets: ‘GLP-1 is our AI. It’s a huge opportunity’
• GLP-1 drugs are a tool, not a panacea, says Tufts professor
• Shiru invites brands to harness its AI platform to explore ‘natural’ GLP-1 activation
• ‘Pharma is eating Big Food’s lunch…’ Lembas fights back with GLP-1 boosting peptide
• ProFuse Technology expands focus from cultivated meat to drug discovery amid GLP-1 drug boom
• GLP-1 drugs are rewriting America’s food preferences, says IFF