Germinated pea bioactive peptides for glp-1-mediated satiety in companion animals
VELOZBIO's Germination Refinery Platform produces bioactive peptide fractions from germinating yellow pea that stimulate GLP-1 and CCK signaling for satiety. This plant-derived, animal-free ingredient is compatible with wet food, dry kibble, and treat formats, offering a novel approach to weight management in dogs and cats.
Overview
VELOZBIO's Germination Refinery Platform produces bioactive peptide fractions from germinating yellow pea (Pisum sativum) using endogenous proteolytic activation—no bioreactors required. The germination process selectively cleaves storage proteins into bioactive sequences, generating a peptide-rich hydrolysate distinct from conventional pea protein. These peptides include sequences with established GLP-1 secretagogue and CCK-stimulating activity, targeting satiety signaling through a mechanism distinct from conventional fiber or protein supplementation. The ingredient is plant-derived, animal-free, and compatible with wet food, dry kibble, and treat formats, making it well suited for companion animal nutrition applications focused on weight management.
Technical specifications
The platform combines an AI-driven discovery system with controlled germination to identify and fractionate satiety-signaling peptide sequences:
- AI-driven proteome screening identifies candidate GLP-1-stimulating peptide sequences from the germinated pea proteome
- Endogenous proteolytic activation during germination generates novel bioactive sequences beyond conventional hydrolysis
- Targeted fractionation isolates the active satiety-signaling component
- Full ingredient characterization available, including peptide profile, DIAAS, antinutrient data, and batch yield
- Pea protein holds existing regulatory acceptance for pet food in the US (AAFCO) and EU, supporting a feasible compliance pathway
- Flexible format compatibility across wet food, dry kibble, and treats
Technology readiness level
This ingredient is at the validation stage. Planned milestones include sharing AI discovery datasets and full ingredient characterization (Phase 1), co-designed in vitro GLP-1 secretion assays using STC-1/NCI-H716 cell models and ex vivo GI models for bioactivity and dose-response confirmation (Phase 2), companion animal feeding trials measuring satiety endpoints including food intake, body condition score, and body weight alongside palatability and GI tolerance assessment (Phase 3), and commercialization with supply agreements and format optimization (Phase 4).
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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