AI identifies novel bioactives from waste streams for GLP-1 alternatives, longevity
An Israeli health-tech startup leverages AI to extract high-value functional ingredients from industrial waste, targeting the burgeoning weight management and longevity categories with patent-pending compounds.
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Tel Aviv, Israel — 09 July 2026
Israeli health-tech startup MeNow is utilising advanced AI to identify novel bioactive molecules from botanical and industrial waste streams, creating a library of over 2 million natural molecules. Co-founders Dr. Hilla Ben-Hamo (CEO) and Dr. Coralie Ebert (CTO) adapted pharmaceutical drug discovery AI to the nutraceutical and cosmetic sectors, focusing on predicting bioavailability, safety, and health benefits to expedite ingredient development.
The company’s commercial strategy involves co-development, licensing, and joint go-to-market partnerships for IP-protected ingredients. Early success in cosmetics, exemplified by a collaboration with Colgate that reduced gingivitis treatment development time by 75%, validated the platform's efficiency. MeNow expanded into nutraceuticals last year, quickly identifying a SIRT1 protein activator from discarded sorghum crop residue, positioned as a significant discovery in the longevity market due to its links to anti-aging and cellular protection.
A key focus for MeNow's AI Sustainability Hub is the development of non-pharmaceutical alternatives for weight management, particularly in response to the demand for GLP-1 drug alternatives. The platform has identified a potential GLP-1 agonist molecule from a bacterial fermentation sidestream that is already approved for food use. This 'ready-to-market' compound bypasses extensive regulatory approval, offering a fast-track to market entry. Additionally, a brown seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) byproduct has been identified to activate the CCK1 receptor, which regulates satiety and digestion, providing a potentially faster and stronger satiety effect than the GLP-1 pathway and promoting nutrient absorption.
What this means for United Kingdom
UK brand owners must evaluate the potential for these AI-discovered waste-stream ingredients to differentiate their product portfolios in the competitive weight management and longevity categories. The 'ready-to-market' GLP-1 agonist alternative presents a faster route to market, potentially within 12-18 months, circumventing protracted Novel Food authorisations. Procurement teams should investigate licensing opportunities for these patent-pending ingredients, anticipating reformulation cycles. Manufacturers should prepare for increased demand for sustainable, scientifically-backed ingredients, aligning with consumer and retailer preferences for eco-conscious product lines and potentially reducing long-term raw material sourcing costs. Early engagement could secure favourable licensing terms and market exclusivity.
The patent-pending status of these ingredients means they are open for licensing. MeNow is also exploring women's health, including menopause and healthy aging, as a ripe area for future AI-driven ingredient discovery, indicating future diversification opportunities for supplement developers.
This trend is being actively addressed by UK manufacturing partners including Supplement Factory.