Bioactive Pea Peptides for Calcium Absorption and Lean-Mass Preservation
VELOZBIO has identified over 140 bioactive peptide candidates from germinated yellow pea hydrolysate using AI-driven discovery. More than 60 peptides are predicted to enhance calcium absorption, while over 80 support muscle synthesis and anti-fatigue pathways, addressing the muscle-bone axis during caloric restriction. The food-grade, plant-derived ingredient is produced via a bioreactor-free germination and enzymatic hydrolysis platform and formats into beverages, shots, or powders.
Overview
VELOZBIO has developed a library of over 140 bioactive peptide candidates from germinated yellow pea (Pisum sativum) hydrolysate, targeting bone health and lean-mass preservation. Using an AI discovery platform, the company identified more than 60 peptides predicted to enhance intestinal calcium absorption and over 80 peptides predicted to support muscle synthesis and anti-fatigue pathways. Together, these peptides address the muscle-bone axis, a key concern during caloric restriction and GLP-1-mediated weight reduction, where reduced food intake can compromise mineral absorption and musculoskeletal resilience.
The peptides are produced through VELOZBIO's Germination Refinery Platform, which uses controlled sprouting and enzymatic hydrolysis to create food-grade, plant-derived hydrolysates without the need for bioreactors. The ingredient is designed for compact delivery formats including beverages, shots, and powders.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- AI-driven discovery: All peptide candidates passed computational filters for digestive stability, cell-membrane permeability, formulation stability, solubility, low allergenicity, and IP clearance
- Calcium absorption support: 60+ peptide candidates specifically predicted to enhance intestinal calcium uptake, distinct from standard mineral supplementation
- Muscle-bone axis support: 80+ peptide candidates targeting muscle synthesis and anti-fatigue pathways to preserve lean mass during caloric restriction
- Clean-label production: Controlled sprouting and enzymatic hydrolysis produce food-grade hydrolysate at pilot scale without bioreactors
- Application flexibility: Suitable for beverages, shots, and powders
Validation roadmap: Proposed next steps include technical alignment, in vitro Caco-2 calcium transport assays and myotube assays for muscle-synthesis peptides, followed by pilot human efficacy studies in GLP-1 users or older adults measuring bone biomarkers and lean mass.
Technology readiness level
The peptide candidates have completed AI-based discovery and in silico validation. The hydrolysate ingredient is manufactured at pilot scale and available in food-grade form. In vitro validation and pilot human studies are proposed as the next development milestones, with scale-up supply planned following successful pilot outcomes.
About VELOZBIO
VELOZBIO is a manufacturer that specializes in producing ingredients derived from germinated grains and legumes. The company utilizes controlled germination processes to activate natural enzymes, which fundamentally alter the configuration of proteins, starches, and fibers. This process is designed to increase nutritional quality by reducing anti-nutrients and enhancing the bioavailability of essential amino acids. Furthermore, the company leverages this technology to improve the technical performance of its ingredients, specifically increasing soluble protein fractions to enhance emulsification, gelation, and solubility, while also aiming to improve texture and flavor profiles in final applications. These ingredients are developed for use in food, nutritional, and cosmetic product formulations, providing alternatives that are highly soluble and integrated easily into high-protein products. By utilizing germinated ingredients, the company helps manufacturers create food products such as nutritional bars, protein shakes, plant-based dressings, bakery goods, meat alternatives, beverages, and dairy alternatives without common issues like bitter aftertastes or grainy textures. Their solutions are engineered to support functional requirements in complex food and cosmetic formulations.
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