Amplifye Launches P24: A Game-Changing Enzyme for Protein Digestion

Amplifye, a cutting-edge spinout from UC Davis, is making waves in the health and nutrition sector with the launch of its first product, a proprietary enzyme known as P24. This innovative enzyme is designed to optimize protein digestion and unlock a plethora of health benefits, ranging from enhanced blood glucose control to improved sleep quality.

A Transformative Approach to Digestion

Previously operating under the name Digestiva, Amplifye focuses on leveraging computational protein design methods to create novel enzymes. The company specifically hones in on a group of proteases known as S53, which are crucial for breaking down proteins effectively.

Founded in 2019 by a team of expert researchers including Dr. Wilson Mak, Dr. Justin Siegel, Dr. Glenn Nedwin, and Dr. Bruce German, Amplifye aims to enhance protein digestibility, allowing for greater absorption of amino acids and small peptides to improve overall nutrition.

Reducing Digestive Stress

P24 operates by initiating the protein digestion process early in the stomach, as it is activated by stomach acid. This method is designed to alleviate digestive stress. The startup recently raised an impressive $18.4 million Series A funding, led by sugar cane processor Magdalena.

Insights from the CEO

CEO John Melo, who joined Amplifye in 2023, emphasizes the variability of protein digestion among individuals. “Some of us are great digesters, others are not,” Melo told AgFunderNews. He explains that assessing digestive efficiency can be complex but can be inferred through blood glucose levels, amino acid uptake, and long-term muscle mass monitoring.

Unlocking Nutritional Benefits

Melo states that by utilizing P24, they have observed an approximately 30% increase in the presence of smaller peptides, as well as an enhanced concentration of essential amino acids. “We are cutting peptides precisely, which gives us a unique amino acid profile and introduces bioactivity that may not have been present before,” he adds, highlighting the mission to maximize nutritional benefits from every gram of protein consumed.

Clinical Validation and Evidence

Amplifye is preparing for a human clinical study to substantiate its claims regarding P24. The company has also filed a patent regarding the enzyme’s ability to manage blood glucose and lower the glycemic index of food.

Through extensive research, including work with the INFOGEST 2.0 model gut system, Amplifye evaluates how proteins are digested and absorbed. A study published in Frontiers in Nutrition revealed that P24 significantly improves the digestibility of both animal and plant proteins, enhancing digestibility by 115% during the gastric phase and by 15% during the intestinal phase.

Enhancing Sleep, Recovery, and More

P24’s tagline “The enzyme that can double protein absorption” indicates a promising future, especially for plant proteins that generally have lower digestibility scores. A recent consumer study involving volunteers taking P24 with their largest meals reported positive feedback on digestive comfort, mental clarity, and sleep quality.

Blood Glucose Impact

Melo notes that P24 helps maintain stable blood glucose levels, thereby preventing spikes after meals. This stability may also influence insulin production by unlocking bioactive peptides connected to GLP-1, a hormone that enhances insulin release with elevated blood glucose.

Regulatory Status and Future Directions

P24 is self-affirmed as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) and is available for direct consumer purchase. Amplifye is exploring additional industrial applications for the enzyme, including in the animal feed market, where it has shown potential in reducing mortality rates in shrimp fed specific protein sources.

Produced through precision fermentation, Amplifye is currently scaling production using 40,000-liter bioreactors, with plans to expand to 100,000-liter tanks. The startup has committed to expanding its production capacity jointly with investor Magdalena.

With four provisional patents filed recently, Amplifye is paving the way for future enzyme technologies, which promise better bioavailability and cost efficiency. “With P24, we are uniquely positioned to transform how protein is processed,” concludes Melo.