NCT: dietary activator of mitochondrial biogenesis for healthy body condition
N-trans-caffeoyltyramine (NCT) is a plant-derived, enzyme-made dietary ingredient that restores HNF4α-driven mitochondrial biogenesis to reduce hepatic fat accumulation, improve glucose metabolism, and support healthy body condition without appetite suppression. Produced by one-pot cell-free biocatalysis from bio-derived feedstocks, it is active at milligram inclusion levels and compatible with wet, dry, treat, and topper pet food formats.
Overview
NCT (N-trans-caffeoyltyramine) is a plant-derived dietary ingredient that activates mitochondrial biogenesis to support healthy body condition. It restores HNF4α, a master regulator of hepatic and intestinal metabolic genes, which is suppressed by dietary lipid overload. This drives PGC-1α-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis, reducing hepatic fat accumulation and improving energy expenditure and nutrient partitioning—without suppressing appetite.
NCT is produced using eXoZymes' one-pot cell-free biocatalysis platform from bio-derived feedstocks, yielding a defined, high-purity ingredient. It is active at milligram inclusion levels and designed for wet, dry, treat, and topper formats without diet reformulation. The ingredient is intended for companion animal nutrition, with canine validation planned.
Technical specifications
- Mechanism: restores HNF4α-driven transcription; drives PGC-1α-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis; reduces hepatic fat; improves energy expenditure and nutrient partitioning
- Form: high-purity crystalline solid with a high melting point; expected to withstand 100–140 °C processing
- Formulation: milligram-scale inclusion; compatible with wet, dry, treat, and topper formats
- Efficacy evidence: reduced fat gain and reversed hepatic steatosis in diet-induced obese mice; two human randomized controlled trials at 120 mg/day improved fasting glucose and gut permeability markers with no adverse events
- Safety: GLP 90-day rat NOAELs near 1,400–2,000 mg/kg/day; negative Ames and micronucleus results
- Regulatory: US and EU pet food/feed pathways being assessed; estimated cost is a few cents per dog per day
Technology readiness level
NCT has completed initial efficacy and safety studies in rodents and two human randomized controlled trials. For companion animal use, a phased validation program is planned: process-challenge trials in wet, dry, and treat formats; canine hepatocyte studies; palatability and tolerance feeding; and a pilot efficacy study in overweight dogs. Regulatory filings for US and EU pet food/feed pathways are also being scoped. The technology is between proof of concept and pilot validation in the target species.
About eXoZymes (Invizyne)
eXoZymes Inc., formerly known as Invizyne Technologies, is a biotechnology company that specializes in next-generation biomanufacturing. The company has developed a proprietary platform that utilizes AI-engineered enzymes to perform chemical transformations in a cell-free bioreactor environment. By liberating enzymes from the limitations of working within living cells, this technology allows for the controlled and optimized production of chemical compounds that were previously difficult or impossible to scale. The core innovation, described as Exozymes, provides a foundation for high-purity natural product synthesis.
The company’s biomanufacturing solutions are designed to replace traditional, often toxic or inefficient, petrochemical production methods with sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. By transforming affordable and widely available feedstocks, eXoZymes aims to produce a diverse range of high-value small-molecule chemicals, including active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), nutraceuticals, and biofuels. This technology provides partners in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries with a scalable, predictable way to manufacture complex molecules, helping to address challenges in production efficiency and environmental impact. Based in Monrovia, California, and publicly traded on the NASDAQ under the ticker EXOZ, the company continues to advance its platform to address global demands for sustainable chemical manufacturing.
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