Lembas Unveils GLP-1 Boosting Peptide to Transform Appetite Control

In a significant development in the food technology sector, Israeli startup Lembas has officially emerged from stealth mode with the introduction of "GLP-1 Edge," a bioactive peptide designed to stimulate the production of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and other gut hormones that play critical roles in appetite regulation and metabolism. Founded in 2024 by a team that includes CEO Shay Hilel, CTO Dr. Zohar Barbash, CSO Prof. Maayan Gal, and Dr. Daniel Bar, Lembas has successfully raised $3.6 million in a pre-seed funding round led by FLORA Ventures, with contributions from Bluestein Ventures, Fresh Fund, Longevity Venture Partners, Maia Ventures, Siddhi Capital, Mandi Ventures, and SDH Ventures.

The patented technology developed by Lembas, which utilizes artificial intelligence to discover, design, and screen bioactive peptides, is licensed from Tel Aviv University. This innovative approach has garnered significant interest from global food and supplement companies seeking to address what Lembas describes as a "massive unmet need" in appetite management.

Dr. Zohar Barbash, Lembas' CTO, asserts that the peptide mimics the satiety effects of consuming high-calorie foods, such as fatty meats and cheeses, without the associated caloric intake. "We’ve created a peptide that binds to multiple receptors and enhances their activity, effectively mimicking the natural appetite-regulating mechanisms triggered by caloric consumption," Dr. Barbash explained in a statement to AgFunderNews.

The GLP-1 Edge peptide is designed to provide a feeling of satiety for approximately six hours, facilitating meal skipping in a manner similar to intermittent fasting. Initial applications of the peptide are expected to be in supplement form, but there are plans to incorporate it into various food products, including snacks and beverages.

The rise of GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy has led to a growing interest in natural alternatives, as many consumers seek effective weight management solutions without the side effects associated with pharmaceutical options. According to Dr. Edward Deehan, an expert in nutrition from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, while certain natural ingredients, such as fermentable fibers, have been shown to promote satiety, they do not match the potency of GLP-1 medications. Dr. Deehan stated, "The impact of dietary fibers on appetite regulation is beneficial, but they do not produce the same biochemical effects as GLP-1 drugs, which are specifically designed to resist enzymatic breakdown and provide prolonged satiety."

Lembas' peptide differentiates itself by not only promoting GLP-1 production but also stimulating other hormones, including PYY and GIP, which are involved in appetite regulation. "The peptide we developed triggers a cascade of hormonal responses that collectively induce a feeling of fullness without the caloric load of a traditional meal," Dr. Barbash elaborated.

As Lembas prepares for human clinical trials, the firm is also considering licensing agreements with larger food and supplement manufacturers. According to CEO Shay Hilel, regulatory approval in the United States (GRAS designation) is anticipated by late 2026 or early 2027. Hilel noted, "The initial funding will support our operations through the end of 2026, and we anticipate attracting further investment based on our promising preclinical findings."

Lembas' innovative approach to appetite management arrives at a time when the food industry is increasingly recognizing the disruptive potential of GLP-1 technologies. As Gil Horsky, founding chairman of Lembas and managing partner at FLORA Ventures, stated, "The food industry is experiencing unprecedented changes due to the rise of GLP-1 drugs, and Lembas is strategically positioned to lead this transformation with our science-backed solutions."

By employing AI in its peptide discovery process, Lembas aims to accelerate the development of new ingredients that offer a broader range of health benefits. While many competitors focus on various health applications, Lembas is concentrating on weight management, acknowledging the vast market potential. As Horsky asserts, "There is an urgent need for effective appetite control solutions, and Lembas is at the forefront of this evolving landscape."

With a growing demand for effective weight management strategies and increasing consumer interest in natural alternatives, Lembas' GLP-1 Edge peptide could represent a pivotal advancement in the quest for sustainable appetite control solutions. As the company moves forward with its clinical trials and partnerships, the implications for the food and supplement industries could be profound, offering new pathways for consumer health and wellness.