Innovative Israeli Foodtech Startup Lembas Unveils Game-Changing GLP-1 Peptide

In an exciting development for the food and health industries, Israeli foodtech startup Lembas has emerged from stealth mode with their groundbreaking product, “GLP-1 Edge.” This bioactive peptide stimulates the production of GLP-1 and other gut hormones that play a pivotal role in regulating appetite and metabolism.

Founders and Funding

Established in 2024 by a team of innovators, including Shay Hilel (CEO), Dr. Zohar Barbash (CTO), Prof. Maayan Gal (CSO), and Dr. Daniel Bar, Lembas has successfully secured a $3.6 million pre-seed funding round. The investment was led by FLORA Ventures with participation from notable firms like Bluestein Ventures, Fresh Fund, Longevity Venture Partners, Maia Ventures, Siddhi Capital, Mandi Ventures, and SDH Ventures.

Patented Technology and Industry Impact

Lembas’ innovative technology, which is patent-pending, utilizes artificial intelligence to discover, design, and screen bioactive peptides. This technology has been licensed from Tel Aviv University and is already attracting significant interest from global food and supplement companies, addressing what the firm calls a “massive unmet need.”

Revolutionizing Appetite Regulation

Lembas positions its peptide as a natural alternative for those unable to access blockbuster drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, which have been dominating the weight-loss market. As the industry witnesses a surge of “natural” alternatives—ranging from the bacterium Akkermansia Muciniphila promoted by Pendulum to the prebiotic blends of Supergut—Lembas stays ahead with a unique offering.

How GLP-1 Edge Works

According to CTO Zohar Barbash, the unique formulation of the peptide enables it to bind to multiple receptors, effectively enhancing their activity compared to the effects of consuming high-fat foods. “We are encapsulating the peptide for prolonged release in the gut,” she explains, allowing receptors to receive regular boosts without the continuous caloric intake associated with fatty foods.

Reflecting on the product’s functionality, Barbash states, “We are achieving the same results as intermittent fasting, but you won’t feel hungry if you miss a meal. It mimics the process of satiety triggered by the body’s natural responses.” This potent peptide looks to facilitate a six-hour period of reduced hunger after consumption.

Future Directions

Initially marketed as a dietary supplement, Lembas envisions the peptide’s integration into various products such as bars, shakes, snacks, and beverages, further expanding its reach in the market.

“The discovery of GLP-1 is the biggest disruptor the food industry has faced in decades,” says Gil Horsky, founding chairman of Lembas and managing partner at FLORA Ventures, emphasizing the company’s role in driving food-as-medicine forward.

Proven Results in Trials

In rigorous testing, Lembas has focused on the safety and effectiveness of the peptide through cell lines and organoid models, even garnering promising results from studies involving obese rats that exhibited reduced food intake and weight loss.

Plans for Human Trials and Market Entry

With a human clinical trial on the horizon, CEO Shay Hilel expresses confidence in obtaining regulatory approvals (GRAS in the US) by late 2026 or early 2027. The pre-seed funding is designed to support these initiatives until the project reaches commercialization.

“The end product will not be overly expensive, yet it will be a premium ingredient in the market,” Hilel assures.

Industry Reactions and Future Prospects

According to Horsky, the demand for natural alternatives to conventional GLP-1 drugs is explosive, with major food companies recognizing the significance of this shift. “Lembas has remained stealthy, but the interest from industry players indicates a substantial need for innovation in this area,” he notes.

As Lembas aims to redefine weight management through its GLP-1 Edge, the company is poised to become a leader in the intersection of food science and health, leveraging AI to enhance the discovery of beneficial ingredients.