The market for longevity supplements is still relatively new but growing rapidly due to the rising interest in staying healthy and living longer.

Some supplements for longevity, like Resveratrol, Rapamycin, and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), fall under the category of nutraceuticals. These supplements are leading innovations, merging the fields of pharmaceuticals and nutrition, and opening up new market opportunities.

In the nutraceutical market, a variety of players, from general practitioners to specialists, contribute to its dynamic landscape.

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Let's explore how the Longevity Supplement Industry is organized:

• Major Brands and Funding

  1. Elysium Health (New York, USA) - Total funding: $71.2 million

  2. Tru Niagen (California, USA) - Owned by ChromaDex Corp. (NASDAQ: CDXC)

  3. Life Extension (Florida, USA) - Privately owned

  4. Timeline Nutrition (Lausanne, Switzerland) - Total funding: $70 million

  5. Juvenescence (UK and USA) - Total funding: $219 million

  6. AVEA Life (Zug, Switzerland) - Total funding: $7,7 million

  7. Tally Health (New York, USA) - Total funding: $10 million

  8. Novos Labs (New York, USA) - Total funding: $3.2 million

Other notable players include MitoQ, Rejuvant, Quicksilver Scientific, Seneque, Youth & Earth, and Vitalic.

The worldwide market for anti-aging supplements was valued at about $1.1 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach approximately $2.3 billion by 2030.

More companies will likely jump into this market, especially since the top 50 longevity companies raked in over $1 billion in venture funding just in 2020.

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As the market for longevity supplements expands, it's crucial to consider the strategies brands are employing to stay competitive.

• How significant is product differentiation in this context? Well, products stand out by focusing on particular ingredients or compounds that target aging pathways such as NAD+ levels, cellular senescence, and mitochondrial health. Some focus on single ingredients like nicotinamide riboside while others offer multi-ingredient formulations.

• Certainly, breaking into the market isn't a walk in the park. Barriers to entry include high research and development costs, clinical trial requirements, regulatory hurdles, and the challenge of establishing consumer trust in a new product category, giving established brands an edge.

  Additionally, manufacturing costs are elevated due to specialized ingredients, while significant marketing expenditure is essential for consumer education and brand awareness.

How are brands stepping up their game to stay ahead and grow?

Companies are implementing various tactics across pricing behavior, product strategy, marketing strategy, and vertical integration.

Pricing Behavior

• Currently, premium pricing prevails due to high research and development (R&D) and marketing costs. However, with the influx of more players and the achievement of economies of scale, prices may decrease over time.

Product Strategy

• Brands are emphasizing science-backed ingredients, clinical validation, and third-party endorsements to establish credibility. Additionally, there is a growing trend towards personalization based on biomarkers and individual data (I love this one).

Marketing Strategy

• Education on longevity science and ingredient efficacy is deemed crucial for consumer adoption. Brands are utilizing influencer marketing, content marketing, and recommendations from healthcare providers to effectively target audiences.

Vertical Integration

• Some brands, such as Tally Health, are incorporating epigenetic testing services into their offerings to provide personalized longevity programs and recommendations, aligning with recommendations from Andreessen Horowitz. In biohacking, a16z sees two categories: reading and writing, both of which have a strong and weak form. Reading allows people to see what is happening inside their bodies. Reading plus actionability is a strong combination.
  

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Opportunities and Challenges

As the market for longevity supplements keeps changing, it brings both chances and hurdles to the table:

Opportunities

• Getting the Science Right (Clinical Validation): Running solid clinical trials to prove that longevity supplements work in extending healthspan or lifespan could build credibility and drive adoption.

• Targeting Multiple Aging Pathways: Existing supplements primarily focus on a few mechanisms like NAD+ levels and cellular senescence. There is an opportunity to develop supplements targeting other aging hallmarks such as inflammation, epigenetic changes, and proteostasis.

• Making It All About You (Personalization): With advances in omics technologies, personalized longevity supplements tailored to an individual's biological age, genetics, and biomarker profile could be explored.

• Accessibility and Affordability: Efforts to make longevity supplements more affordable and widely available could expand the consumer base and drive widespread adoption.

• Integration with Lifestyle Interventions: Combining longevity supplements with lifestyle interventions like exercise, caloric restriction, and stress management could potentially enhance their effectiveness.

Challenges Ahead

• Navigating Regulations: With the market expanding, longevity supplements might face stricter rules on what they can claim and how they get approved. This could slow down new ideas and product improvements.

• Reputational Risks: Without robust clinical validation, brands could be accused of making unsubstantiated anti-aging claims, damaging credibility and consumer trust.

• Competitive Intensity: More players are likely to enter the market, intensifying competition and potentially leading to price wars and margin erosion.

• Adoption Barriers: High costs and lack of evidence may impede broad consumer acceptance, especially within segments sensitive to pricing.

+ Health-tech is good

👉 8 Food-As-Medicine Startups That Raised $400 Million in Funding

Other topics you might find interesting 💡

📍 7 Emerging Trends in Functional Food
How Healthy Eating Shapes Gen Z & Millennials. 👉 Click here to read the full article.

📍8 Serial Entrepreneurs Building In Health-Tech & Bio-Tech in Europe
👉 Click here to read the full article.

Join us at Europe’s biggest health event! We've got an exclusive discount code for €150 off, (HE24_FOH150). 

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P.S. I used some of the following sources to obtain the data for this article:
(1)McKinsey (2) PWC (3) Longevity.Technology (4) Crunchbase (5) Zion Market Research (6) a16z (7) Photo by SHAMBHAVI SINGH on Unsplash

Back in 2005, during my time at Coca Cola's Trainees program, I had the privilege of contributing to a strategic project aimed at identifying potential new beverage categories for the company. My job was to look into functional drinks already popular in the USA and Europe. I was even lucky enough to try many of them :)

One product that really grabbed my attention back then was a French water that supposedly sped-up skin tanning. Since then, I've been passionate about exploring new ideas in functional foods.

These days, how we see nutrition has shifted. It's not just about eating for the sake of filling our stomachs anymore. Now, there's this whole concept of functional health. Fundamentally, functional health is based on the idea that nutrition may be a proactive, purposeful instrument for promoting overall wellness.

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Aligning Consumer Preferences with Emerging Health Trends

To understand consumer preferences, Lifesum surveyed Gen Z and Millennials, giving us a glimpse into how they see functional health options. This report explores the fundamentals of customized nutrition and how it is becoming the cornerstone of success in the field of well-being.

Gen Z and Millennials Are Eating for Functional Health:

• Additionally, 46% showed interest in eating foods for healthier skin, showing they know food can affect how their skin looks and feels.

• The connection between diet and hormonal balance also caught attention, with 43% wanting to eat for better hormone health.

• Lastly, 40% wanted to eat foods that could help them sleep better, which is a common worry in today's busy lives.

1. Functional Snacking and Culinary Experiences: Snacks are getting healthier with energy bars and gut-friendly trail mixes, while restaurants are adding anti-inflammatory ingredients and superfoods to their menus.

2. Cognitive-enhancing Ingredients: Prepare for a blend of food and cognitive health, with omega-3s, antioxidants, and adaptogens to combat stress.

3. Probiotic Growth: Get ready for more probiotic-rich snacks like yogurts and fermented foods, plus probiotic-infused drinks, boosting gut health.

4. Collagen-infused Delicacies: Collagen, popular in skincare, will soon be found in diverse foods like powdered drinks and protein bars, offering joint and skin benefits, blending skincare with nutrition.

5. Adaptogenic Elixirs: Expect adaptogens, known for stress relief, to be found in a wide range of food and drinks like adaptogenic teas and mushroom latte powders.

6. Sleep-Inducing Ingredients: Consumers are increasingly drawn to foods with sleep-enhancing elements like melatonin and magnesium from various sources.

7. Hormone-Balancing Foods: As the push for natural hormone balance grows, anticipate more foods packed with key nutrients like omega-3s, iron, and vitamin D, catering to diverse hormonal needs.
   

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The Impact of the Netflix Series: 'Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones

The desire for a longer and healthier life is widespread among Gen Z and Millennials, positioning them as leaders in the longevity movement. In fact, 51% of them actively engage in activities aimed at promoting healthy aging.

The Functional Beverage Market

The functional beverages market hit nearly $147.5 billion in 2022 and is set to grow to $276.1 billion by 2032.

Big players dominate the market, with the top ten competitors making up almost 43% of it in 2021. This dominance comes from offering a range of products that fit what consumers want and having strong distribution networks.

Top Competitors:

• PepsiCo Inc.: 7.35%

• The Coca-Cola Company: 7.10%

• Red Bull GmbH: 5.77%

• Danone: 4.55%

• Nestle S.A: 4.32%

• Monster Beverage Corporation: 4.05%

• Dr. Pepper Snapple Group: 3.83%

• Fonterra Co-Operative Group Ltd: 2.15%

• Kraft Heinz Company: 1.91%

• Abbott: 1.76%

3 Companies Pioneering Innovative Functional Drinks

1. Ketone-IQ: the company has developed a family of products steeped in the legacy of endurance athletics, designed to function for every day use. Ketone-IQ gives you a boost in clean energy that only specialized ketones can deliver.
   Investment: Ketone-IQ has raised a total of $8.2 million in funding over 3 rounds. Andreessen Horowitz is among its investors

2. Olipop: is a deliciously refreshing tonic that is crafted with prebiotics, botanicals and natural plant fiber to support the microbiome and benefit digestive health.
   Investment: has raised a total of $43.5 million in funding from Monogram Capital Partners, Dwight Funding, Finn Capital Partners and Peter Rahal, founder of RxBar.

3. KetoKare: is a plant-based keto shake designed to help you easily reach and maintain a state of ketosis. Keto Kare emerged as a winner in the Nestlé Health startup challenge last February.
   

Suggestion? Critiques? Send your feedback in this link or reply to this e-mail. 🙁 😐 😍

+ Health-tech is good

Other topics you might find interesting 💡

📍 7 Longevity Clinics leading the way in Europe
Living a Healthier and Longer Life. 👉 Click here to read the full article.

📍The FemTech Revolution
Top Opportunities in Women's Healthcare. 👉 Click here to read the full article.

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The contents of this newsletter have the potential to influence those around you. Feel free to share it.

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P.S. I used some of the following sources to obtain the data for this article:
(1) Lifesum, 2024 State of Healthy Eating and Wellbeing Report (2) AHFES (3) researchandmarkets (4) Techcrunch (5) Photo by Boxed Water Is Better on Unsplash

This led me to search for the different Genetic Tests available on Google, where, I discovered more than 30 options.

The fascination with uncovering one's genetic ancestry or gaining insights into personal health risks through Genetic Testing has become increasingly popular; and direct-to-consumer (DTC) Genetic Testing is very likely to be the entry point into most genomics, as Genetic Testing would be a prerequisite for any further treatment or manipulation in the future.

An example of this is the exclusive partnership established between GSK and 23andMe in 2018. Their focus is on developing new medicines and potential cures, using human genetics as the cornerstone of their research. This partnership garnered significant attention in the industry, signaling the potential future direction it might take.

The Power of Education and Awareness

The MIT Technology Review reports that more than 26 million people in the U.S. have already tried DNA tests. People are getting more curious about their ancestry and genes, thanks to lots of ads on the internet and social media. Big companies like 23andMe and Ancestry spend a lot of money advertising genetic tests directly to consumers to let them know about the benefits.

Furthermore, companies and government agencies are also working to make these tests more common in healthcare, which could help save money on medical bills. This is all helping the market for Genetic Testing grow.

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24% Up

The global market for at-home Genetic Testing reached $1.93 billion in 2023 and is expected to continue growing by 24.4% each year from 2024 to 2030, reaching $8.8 billion. Online platforms were the most popular way to purchase these tests, making up 64.7% of sales in 2023.

Europe Takes the Lead

Europe is predicted to see the quickest growth in the coming years. This growth is because more people are facing genetic conditions, and the technology for Genetic Testing keeps getting better. People are also becoming more aware of and open to personalized treatment options. Plus, government policies that support reimbursement and other helpful efforts have helped the market grow.

Big companies are always working on new technologies to meet the demand for early diagnosis. For example, in January 2023, Unilabs partnered with Ambry Genetics to improve Genetic Testing services in Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.

DNA Security

Worries about privacy and security with genetic data could hurt the market's growth in the future.

23andMe is facing financial trouble and its stock value has dropped significantly. What's the reason? The company has been criticized for security breaches affecting 6.9 million users. Additionally, it's finding it hard to keep customers interested in its products after they've used the DNA kit just once.

Shares of 23andMe are currently trading at around $0.475. In November, the company was told it broke Nasdaq rules, which say a company's stock price should be above $1. So, they've got about three months (180 days) to boost the price, or they could get kicked off the Nasdaq.

Key Players and Innovations

The market is moderately fragmented, with plenty of medium and big companies making most of the revenue. Let's explore further:

New Players

Nucleus Genomics
HQ: New York, United States
Investment: $17,5M
Product: Nucleus's health app uses whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to find risks for common health problems like heart disease, cancer, and rare genetic disorders. This approach became affordable thanks to dropping sequencing costs in the last 20 years. In 2022, Nucleus got $17,5 million in funding from Alexis Ohanian's Seven Seven Six and Peter Thiel's Founders Fund.

Advancements in technology may eventually lead to the integration of genetic and glycomic analyses for a more comprehensive understanding of biological processes, and this is where GlycanAge plays.

GlycanAge
HQ: Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Investment: $4,7M
Product: The startup's technology aims to reveal users' biological age, which reflects how much their bodies have truly aged compared to their chronological age. Users receive a finger prick test kit at home, allowing GlycanAge scientists to analyze biomarkers indicating damage from lifestyle and environment, estimating their biological age. Additionally, users receive personalized consultations with specialists who offer tailored advice on slowing down aging.
Note: GlycanAge doesn’t analyse DNA, the company look at individuals glycobiology, an entirely different layer of molecular complexity that changes how our biology works beyond our genetics and epigenetics.

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Older Players (most of these companies were built 20 years ago)

23andMe
HQ: California, United States
Investment: $1.1billion, Market Cap: $225M
Ancestry
HQ: Utah, United States
Investment: $33M. Acquired by Blackston in 2020 for $4.7B
Myriad Genetics Inc.
HQ: Utah, United States
Investment: $90M, Market Cap: $1.8 billion
Color Health, Inc.
HQ: California, United States
Investment: $482M

Looking Forward

Thanks to advancements in Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), genome sequencing has become more accessible and affordable. Just twenty years ago, it cost over $20 million to sequence a human genome. Today, companies like Nucleus offer clinical-grade whole-genome tests for as low as $399. Genetic Testing has the potential to alleviate the growing burden of targeted diseases by minimizing the necessity for excessive screenings to detect life-threatening conditions.

+ TechBio is good

P.S. I used some of the following sources to obtain the data for this article:
(1) Grand View Research (2) Yahoo Finance (3) Unilabs (4) Fitt Insider (5) GSK (6) NIH

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B2B business models predominate digital health. 👉 Click here to read the full article.

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It was after I read "How to Change Your Mind" by Michael Pollan that I started thinking about biotechnology and emerging innovations. This got me looking into companies like Atai Life Science and Compass Pathways, which are changing how we treat mental problems like depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. They use special technology such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning to find new drugs faster, rethink how we use old ones with more data, and make patient care better with digital treatments.

“Biotechnology is defined as the utilization of biological processes, organisms or systems to produce products that are anticipated to improve human lives.”

From Biotech to TechBio: while traditional Biotech perceives technology as a mere tool for addressing biological issues, TechBio positions technology as the primary driver of biological innovation. Today, with the aid of remarkable enabling technologies, we're unlocking the immense potential of biology to heal, nourish, and sustain our planet.

Now, let's look at some real-life examples of TechBio, categorized by different types of technology:

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning:

   • Drug Discovery: Healx, based in Cambridge, UK, applies AI to accelerate drug discovery for rare diseases.

   • Personalized Medicine: Sophia Genetics (Switzerland) offers a data-driven platform that combines AI and ML algorithms to analyze genomic data from patients and provide insights into personalized treatment options for genetic disorders and cancer.

2. Biological Imaging and Sensing:

   • Medical Imaging: Aidence, based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, develops AI-driven medical imaging solutions for radiology departments.

3. Genomics and Gene Editing:

   • CRISPR-Based Gene Editing: CRISPR Therapeutics, headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, focuses on developing CRISPR-based therapies for genetic disorders.

Investment

In recent years, the Biotech public markets have struggled to rebound, with the S&P Biotechnology Select Industry Index plummeting over 50% from its peak in February 2021 to the fourth quarter of 2023. Only 30 Biotechs went public in the first three quarters of 2023, compared to 114 in 2021. Despite this, venture capital (VC) funding has been a vital lifeline for Biotech innovation, remaining robust and even surpassing prepandemic levels.

I got curious and wondered if blockchain could be used to improve biotechnology. To my surprise, I found Decentralized Finance for Biotech.

Decentralising Biotech

The biopharma industry faces challenges in aligning incentives and funding. Academic labs often struggle to secure funding for early career researchers and risky projects.

Platforms like Molecule and VitaDAO address these issues by creating open ecosystems for community-driven research funding. These platforms enable diverse groups to fund, own, and govern therapeutic intellectual property, fostering collaboration and risk-sharing. Patients can choose which projects to fund and later own the treatments developed. This model empowers communities and accelerates impactful research in biotechnology.

Before delving into specifics, let's establish the definition of DAO: DAO is a new way to collectively finance, govern, and share value on the blockchain.

Molecule AG
HQ: Berlin, Germany
Investment: Molecule has raised a total of €18.3 million in funding.
Product: Molecule is a decentralized Biotech protocol, building a web3 marketplace for research-related IP.  The platform and scalable framework for biotech DAOs connects academics and Biotech companies with quick and easy funding, while enabling patient, researcher, and investor communities to directly govern and own research-related IP.
Founder: Tyler Golato founded the company in 2018 together with Paul Kohlhaas.

VitaDAO
HQ: Ottawa, Canada
Investment: VitaDAO has raised a total of €8.4 million in funding, backed By Pfizer and Balaji Srinivasan (CTO Coinbase).
Product: VitaDAO is a decentralized, community-owned collective dedicated to funding and advancing early stage longevity science research. Their mission is to support researchers who are working to pre-empt the onset of age-related diseases, and to bring new therapeutics to market that allow people to live longer, healthier lives.
Founder: VitaDAO was started in 2021 by Tyler Golato of decentralized Biotech protocol Molecule to fund longevity research. Among the main Contributors & Advisors are Vincent Weisser, Eleanor Davies and Paolo Binetti.

The time for solving the world’s most significant problems is now; and science has never been more central to shaping a better future.

+ TechBio is good

P.S. I used some of the following sources to obtain the data for this article:
(1) IOPscience (2) NFX (3) Longevity.Technology (4) McKinsey

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I'm a huge fan of brands that aren't afraid to think outside the box and keep growing in today's speedy market. It's definitely a challenge, especially for giants like Unilever, with a huge team of 150,000 people worldwide and an annual revenue of €60 billion.

In 2014, Unilever embarked on a journey to tap into the fast-growing premium market, marking the genesis of the Unilever Prestige division. The premium market promised long-term growth, presenting a white space ripe for development and innovation.

Unilever’s Organisational Structure

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Let's take a look at the 10 acquisitions

1. K18 is the latest addition to the collection: Unilever made a big move in December 2023 by revealing plans to buy the high-end biotech haircare brand K18, a rapidly growing brand that blends beauty and biotechnology, offering a range of products to nourish and repair hair. K18 Hair has raised a total of $25 million and scored $75 million in retail sales in 2021, with a projected revenue of $150 million for 2022.

2. PAULA’S CHOICE was acquired by Unilever in 2021 for a reported $2 billion. TA Associates invested in the brand alongside Bertram Capital in 2016. Revenues were said to be around $70 million at the time and the business was valued at $275 million.

3. TATCHA was on track to do $100 million in net sales when it was acquired by Unilever in 2019 in a deal close to $500 million. Tatcha has raised a total of $19.8 million in funding from Castanea, Beechwood Capital and Finn Capital Partners.

4. GARANCIA The French derma-cosmetic brand joined the portfolio in 2019. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

5. HOURGLASS generated net sales of approximately $70 million and was sold to Unilever for an estimated purchase price of $250-$300 million.

6. Living Proof has raised a total of $53 million in funding from Leerink Partners and Polaris Partners. The company was founded by venture capitalist and entrepreneur Jon Flint and MIT Professor Robert Langer. Unilever acquired the business in 2017.

7. Murad which had a turnover of $115 million in 2014, was incorporated into Unilever’s Prestige division in 2015.

8. Dermalogica sold in more than 80 countries, Dermalogica had a turnover of $240 million in 2014. The company was incorporated into Unilever’s Prestige division in 2015.

9. Kate, Unilever acquired the brand in 2015. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

10. REN had sales of $62.6 million in 2013 and was incorporated into Unilever’s Prestige division in 2015.

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What is the M&A strategy?:

The company aims to grow Unilever Prestige into a €3 billion enterprise by acquiring top-notch brands and focusing on innovation. Unilever Prestige brands can tap into Unilever's extensive research and development (R&D) resources. Take Hourglass' Red Lipstick, for instance, which was developed to eliminate carmine, a common red pigment ingredient derived from crushed female beetles used across the industry. This breakthrough took three years, 17 formulations, and 170 color experiments.

The thesis:

• Target companies with revenues ranging from €50 to €300 million.

• Concentrate on top-tier beauty, health, and wellness markets.

• Pursue unique brands with strong growth potential.

• Explore specialized areas within the market, from specific segments to distribution channels.

The winning model to grow to €3 billion in revenue by 2028

Unilever relies on five key pillars to achieve the ambitious target of reaching €3 billion in revenue:

1. Prioritizing the Brand-First Model: brand-centric approach, leaders in education

2. Emphasizing Speed, Agility, and Advocacy: cult brands with digital communities, pivot to eComm, continuous experimentation

3. Leading in Trend-Setting Innovation

4. Focusing on Social Impact and Purpose

5. Embracing Technology-First Beauty

Key trends and emerging technologies

• Rise of Clinical Brands and Doctor-led Products: Consumers are gravitating towards products backed by science and promising visible results, often led by doctors or experts.

• Longevity Economy: This concept goes beyond just beauty and personal care, influencing various sectors including drug discovery and digital health. The intersection of longevity and AI, known as "generative health," is set to transform personalized health experiences. This means that in the future, technology could play a big role in tailoring health solutions to individuals, based on their unique health histories.

• Neurotech Innovation: Neurotechnology is gaining prominence in beauty and personal care, offering solutions to combat stress and anxiety. It aims to enhance overall well-being by incorporating emotional and mental aspects into product development.

• Integrated Wellness: The integration of physical and emotional aesthetics is becoming increasingly important. The focus is shifting from merely enhancing physical appearance to considering emotional well-being as well. Scientific advancements allow for the triggering of positive emotional states through environmental and sensory responses, leveraging the skin’s hormonal system. This holistic approach to wellness, encompassing physical, emotional, and mental aspects, represents the next frontier in the neurotech wellness domain.

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P.S. I utilized some of the following sources to obtain the data for this article:
(1) Unilever (2) WWD (3) Business of Fashion (4) Investmentsreports (5) Beautymatter (6) Crunchbase

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Barclays predicts that the obesity drug industry could reach a staggering value of $200 billion within the coming decade. 👉 Click here to read the full article.

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+ Health-Tech innovation is good

At 35, I found myself hitting the brakes on life to give my health the attention it deserved. The catalyst? Navigating the storm of stress that accompanied building a startup in Brazil. That's when I started making some changes – cutting down on dairy and meat, diving into cold showers, giving intermittent fasting a shot, and incorporating more cardiovascular exercises such as marathons (now my favourite hobby). Now, as I dug into research for this newsletter, it hit me that these shifts aren't just routines; they're little personal revolutions impacting how we age based on the life we choose.

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You might be familiar with Bryan Johnson (I love his slightly sarcastic sense of humor), the 45-year-old tech entrepreneur and millionaire, who is determined to experience the rejuvenation of an 18-year-old through an elaborate and expensive routine designed to reverse the aging process. His ambitious endeavor, known as "Project Blueprint," comes with an annual price tag of $2 million. Johnson's regimen includes unconventional practices such as infusing blood from his teenage son, following over 100 daily protocols that incorporate numerous supplements, having dinner as early as 11 a.m., and retiring for the night at 8:30 p.m.

The Opportunity

As people increasingly seek to delay the aging process and extend their healthspan, a notable business opportunity is emerging for companies to introduce innovative products and services in this field.

Longevity encompasses four (4) key areas, each playing a role in enhancing the quality of life throughout extended healthspans:

1. Prevention: Aiming to forestall damage leading to aging.

2. Diagnostics: Focusing on early detection of aging-related damage.

3. Treatment: Addressing and treating existing age-related damage.

4. Renewal: Undertaking measures to reverse damage that has already occurred.

Various disciplines, such as biotechnology, regenerative medicine, AI, genomics, epigenetics, and senescence biology, collectively strive towards a common goal—prolonging human lifespan and enhancing the overall quality of life during the aging process.

Why Do We Age?

David A. Sinclair identifies one root cause of aging centered on the epigenome - the collection of chemical modifications to a person’s DNA that determine which parts are switched on or off. According to Sinclair, as we age we lose information in the epigenome, which causes cells to start behaving in ways that they should not.

There are three ways to expand a person’s healthspan: (1) Lifestyle, (2) Supplements (Nutraceuticals) and (3) Advanced Therapeutics.

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Sounds Promising, Doesn't It? Let's See The Size Of The Market

The market potential of longevity therapeutics is intricately tied to the perception of aging as a fundamental contributor to various chronic diseases. While traditional estimates project a value of $25.1 billion in 2020, rising to $44.2 billion by 2030 according to Allied Market Research, a more comprehensive view emerges when considering the potential of longevity therapeutics to replace conventional treatments. First Technology Ltd, a UK-based biotech company, suggests that the annual market value for diseases treatable with senotherapeutics, a crucial element targeting cellular senescence within longevity therapeutics, reached $127 billion in 2021.

A thriving market signals business opportunities.

In Europe, these 10 startups are actively disrupting the aging process, exploring areas such as cell reprogramming, gut health, and innovative health clinics.

1. Rejuvenate Biomed (Belgium): a biotech company dedicated to the discovery and development of therapeutics to delay the onset of multiple age-related diseases.

   Rejuvenate Biomed has raised a total of €19.4M in funding over 3 rounds.

2. Neko Health (Sweden): Founded in 2018 by Hjalmar Nilsonne and Daniel Ek (founder/CEO of Spotify), Neko Health believes that with the help of the latest sensor technology and AI, it is possible to create more affordable and thorough examinations that can raise the quality of healthcare and focus on prevention. Neko Health has raised a total of €60M in funding.

3. Ayun (Switzerland): a longevity day clinic targeting the upper middle class. It’s part of Maximon’s portfolio, a Swiss longevity company builder.

4. Cellvie (USA/Switzerland): is pioneering Therapeutic Mitochondria Transplantation, a novel treatment approach aimed at the cellular energy metabolism. Cellvie has raised a total of $10.5M in funding over 2 rounds

5. Epiterna (Switzerland): a biotechnology company that focuses on long-term medicines for humans and animals. It has developed a platform to evaluate drugs and assess their effect on healthy lifespan. Epiterna has raised a total of €10M in funding from Prima Materia.

6. Avea (Switzerland): a science-based longevity supplements company. Avea Life has raised a total of €5M in funding over 2 rounds.

7. Shift Bioscience (UK): a bio-pharmaceutical manufacturer of a biologically safe machine-learning approach that controls age. Shift Bioscience believes that reprogramming of the cells will lead to a rapid development of new treatments for a range of diseases associated with old age, such as neurodegenerative diseases.

8. Cleara Biotech ( Netherlands): is targeting cellular senescence to extend human healthspan at old age and to counteract late stage cancer. Cleara Biotech has raised a total of $2.5M in funding.

9. Biolytica (Switzerland): is a health data company developing a platform for data-driven personalised health optimisation. Biolytica has raised a total of €5.3M in funding.

10. Years (Germany): is a data-driven precision medicine company, developing a deep proprietary and holistic dataset of various health parameters to enable the reliable discovery and validation of novel biomarkers.

Investment

The global pursuit of longevity has gained momentum, attracting venture capital funds worldwide. The longevity industry reveals distinct waves of growth and contractions, and despite market dynamics, funding remained substantial at $7.18 billion in 2022, emphasizing sustained enthusiasm for longevity-related ventures.

2024 Prediction: Longevity medicine goes mainstream

As longevity medicine gains traction among consumers, there's a projected resurgence in consumer healthcare in 2024, emphasizing preventative care models and longevity science. This shift presents a significant business opportunity for companies to develop products and services leveraging multimodal and longitudinal data, providing consumers with a holistic view of their health and personalized recommendations. Think of it as an AI personal health manager.

Beyond ongoing research in therapeutics and diagnostics for major chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer, the regulatory and payment landscape for longevity-focused medicine, health tech, and digital services is yet to fully unfold in what's referred to as "Medicine 2.0". Achieving mainstream adoption requires minimizing false positives and integrating learnings into protocols. Pioneering companies like Prenuvo (direct-to-consumer) and Rupa (B2B2C and provider enablement) are leading this shift, representing the emergence of Medicine 3.0—a broader movement towards data-driven, personalized healthcare that empowers consumers to prioritize prevention and longevity.

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The contents of this newsletter have the potential to influence those around you. Feel free to share it with anyone you believe might find it interesting.

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Martin

P.S. I used some of the following sources to obtain the data for this article:
(1) PWC (2) Longevity.Technology (3) Forbes (4) PitchBook (5) David A. Sinclair PhD (6) Lifespan.io (7) Crunchbase (8) Bessemer Venture Partners

Every day, the phrase above echoes in my mind, serving as a reminder to prioritize my gut health. To achieve this, I employ various strategies such as incorporating fermented foods like kombucha or plain yogurt into my diet, regularly taking probiotic supplements, especially when confronted with substantial dietary changes during travel, and consciously steering clear of artificial sweeteners and processed foods.

The human gut serves as the habitat for trillions of microorganisms, not limited to the stomach but also extending to the intestines, throat, mouth, skin, eyes, and nasal passages. These diverse microbiota play a vital role in sustaining our immune system, brain function, and hormonal balance. They actively produce chemicals that directly impact the overall functioning of our body, including the regulation of neurotransmitters like serotonin. Consequently, it becomes crucial to actively nurture and support these living microorganisms in order to effectively promote both our mental and physical well-being.

An intestinal distress can be the cause or the product of anxiety, stress, or depression.

The Problem

• Over 332 million people are estimated to be living with a digestive disorder in the European region, according to a report from United European Gastroenterology.

• 60-70 million Americans are suffering from gastrointestinal diseases that can create serious disruptions to daily life, per NIH.

The Market Size

• The global market for probiotics is projected to reach $123 Billion by 2030

• Similarly, the market for the human microbiome is expected to reach $3 billion worldwide by 2029.

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In recent years, startups have been focusing on the gut as a potential avenue for improving digestive well-being and addressing long-term ailments.

1. Digital Solutions:

• Salvo Health, an app-based specialty care provider focusing on chronic gut conditions raised $10.5M in a Seed round (August 2022)

• Vivante Health: all-in-one digital solution for gut health and disease. The company has raised a $16 million Series A funding round led by 7wireVentures (March 2022)

• Ayble Health, a clinically-backed digital health platform that provides holistic care for people with GI conditions has raised $4.6M Seed funding.

• Berlin based Cara Care is a digital gut health platform that offers an app-based treatment to help patients with chronic gastrointestinal problems. Cara Care has raised a total of $16M in funding over 6 rounds.

2. Probiotics & Individualised Supplements:

• Sun Genomics provides personalised probiotic solutions based on AI and whole-genome sequencing of the microbiome. The company has raised a $12.2 million Series B with the participation of Danone Manifesto Ventures.

• Seed Health, a microbial sciences company that develops applications of bacteria to improve human and planetary health. Initially the company sold probiotics, and now with $40M in new funding, the company is accelerating its consumer health efforts while expanding into clinical research and novel therapeutics.

• FitBiomics™ is a sports biotechnology company that spun out of the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University. Fitbiomics develops performance-enhancing probiotics based on the microbiome of an elite athlete.

• Pendulum: develops novel interventions that target the human microbiome to improve the lives of patients suffering from a variety of diseases. The company has raised $111 million from Meritech Capital, Sequoia Capital, Khosla Ventures and others 7 investors.

3. At-Home Test & Personalised Nutrition:

• ZOE, an at-home test looking at gut health, blood sugar, and blood lipids. Results are then used to develop a dietary program, where users log their meals and track their wellness score. The company has raised $83.7 million to date for its large-scale consumer study. Venture firm Accomplice led the round, with participation from Balderton Capital, Ahren, Daphni and private equity firm L Catterton.

• Viome, DTC healthcare test that analyzes microbial and human gene expressions in order to provide individuals with health insights and the nutrition they need. Viome has raised a total of $169.5M in funding over 6 rounds.

• Digbi Health is a testing and coaching program. Digbi Health has raised a total of $12.4M in funding over 8 rounds.

• Stockholm based Alba Health provides digital gut health support to children based on AI and gut microbiome testing. Alba Health has raised a total of €2.4M in funding lead by Voima Ventures.

• Enbiosis uses AI-powered microbiome analysis for personalized diet plan.
  

In this article you can have an overview of the main Investors betting on Microbiome Technology

Towards the Future

As our understanding of the gut-brain connection deepens, it becomes clear that personalized nutrition goes beyond simply following a "healthy" diet. The future lies in psychobiome optimization, a comprehensive approach to personalized nutrition that encompasses targeted supplements, convenient meal kits, and dedicated coaches who focus specifically on optimizing gut health.

By unraveling the mysteries of the gut-brain connection, we stand to revolutionize not only our understanding of mental health but also our approach to overall well-being. With ongoing research and advancements, we have the potential to unlock transformative solutions that bring us closer to achieving a harmonious balance between our gut and brain.

+ endurance is good,

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Martin

P.S. I used some of the following sources to obtain the data for this article:
(1) Globalventuring.com (2) Crunchbase (3) Pitchbook

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For years, I've struggled with my weight, constantly hopping from one diet to another in an attempt to shed pounds: ketogenic, Whole30, vegan, liquid-only... you name it.

Fortunately, I've managed to strike a balance between physical activity and nutrition, leading to a healthier life. However, this isn't the case for many others.

Over 40% of Americans are clinically obese, and most are simply told by their doctors to diet and exercise. Traditional healthcare approaches have treated obesity as a simplistic "calories in, calories out" equation, failing to recognize it as a complex disease that necessitates intensive clinical support. In Europe, nearly 30% of adults struggle with obesity.

The Opportunity:

Overweight and obesity are projected to cost the global economy over US$4 trillion in potential income by 2035, potentially affecting more than 4 billion people, compared to over 2.6 billion in 2020. This signifies an increase from 38% of the world's population in 2020 to over 50% by 2035.

Global overweight and obesity 2020–2035

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Now let's examine the global obesity trends for children, adolescents, and adults by gender from 2020 to 2035:

• By 2035, there will be 208 million boys aged between 5 and 19 years with obesity, and 175 million girls within the same age range.

• In the case of adults aged 20 years and over, by 2035, there will be 690 million men and 842 million women with obesity.

When considering the Economic Impact (remember the US$4 trillion?), it encompasses both the healthcare costs associated with treating obesity and its consequences, as well as the impact of high BMI on economic productivity. High BMI contributes to absenteeism, presenteeism (reduced productivity while at work), and premature retirement or death.

Clearly, the number of individuals experiencing the negative effects of obesity is substantial. Achieving weight loss can be particularly challenging, especially for individuals with conditions like diabetes. While there are no instant solutions for weight loss, there are medications accessible to provide assistance.

The Solution Unveiled:

Amidst the pursuit of combating obesity, one solution has garnered significant market attention: anti-obesity drugs. By 2030, the worldwide market for obesity therapeutics is projected to reach a value of $100 billion, and according to Barclays, the expanding weight loss drug industry has the potential to grow even further, potentially reaching $200 billion within the next ten years.

More specifically, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). By stimulating insulin secretion and regulating the release of glucagon, GLP-1 plays a pivotal role in influencing blood sugar control. Moreover, GLP-1s have demonstrated their efficacy in weight loss by influencing the body's "set point," effectively curbing appetite and fostering a sense of satiety.

The FDA initially approved GLP-1 medications in 2005 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, which happens to be the most prevalent form of diabetes. An intriguing side effect of these medications is weight loss, leading to their exploration as potential anti-obesity drugs.

The FDA has granted approval for the following GLP-1 medications specifically for weight loss:

1. Liraglutide (Saxenda)

2. Semaglutide (Wegovy™)

These two long-acting GLP-1s received FDA approval in 2014 and 2021, respectively, as medications for combating obesity.

After 16 months, the usage of Novo Nordisk's semaglutide, known as Ozempic and Wegovy, resulted in an approximate 15% decrease in body weight.

How to Obtain GLP-1 Medications for Weight Loss?

To access GLP-1 medications, a prescription from a healthcare provider is necessary. Initially, the healthcare provider will assess whether the patient meets specific criteria. Generally, adults with a BMI index of 30 kg/m^2 or higher (indicating obesity) or 27 kg/m^2 or greater (indicating overweight) along with at least one weight-related health issue (e.g., hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or dyslipidemia) may benefit from GLP-1 injections. These injections should be combined with regular physical activity and a reduced-calorie diet.

Pioneering the Way Forward: Digital

A group of Tech Companies have started to fill this void by offering comprehensive medication, education, and support for weight loss:

1. Digital Platforms
   
   Calibrate: a metabolic health company on a mission to change the way the world treats weight. The company has raised more than $125 million from leading investors, including Founders Fund, Tiger Global, Optum Ventures, Forerunner Ventures, Threshold Ventures and Redesign Health.
   
   Weekend Health: a telehealth platform, that has been acquired by WW International in a cash and equity transaction worth $132 million. The payment structure is as follows:

   • $100 million will be paid at the closing of the transaction. Out of this amount, $65 million will be in cash, and $35 million will be in the form of 8.065 million newly issued shares of common stock of WW.

   • An additional $16 million will be paid in cash on the first anniversary of the closing.

   • A further $16 million will be paid in cash on the second anniversary of the closing.

Found: the company has a clear and dedicated mission of improving people’s overall wellbeing by making evidence-based weight loss accessible and affordable. Found has raised a total of $132M in funding over 3 rounds from Atomico, Google Ventures and others investors.

2. Virtual Clinics

Form Health: a virtual medical weight loss clinic that provides personalized care from an expert doctor and Registered Dietitian. Form Health has raised a total of $26.3M in funding over 2 rounds

Enara: is building a platform and network to scale medical obesity treatment, this will allows medical groups and health partners to launch insurance-covered obesity programs with a multi-disciplinary network of caring medical providers and coaches. Enara Health has raised a total of $9M in funding.

Looking forward, tackling the obesity crisis demands a holistic strategy that surpasses basic recommendations of exercise and healthy eating. It is clear that unless prevention takes precedence and initiatives to encourage healthy behaviors are put in place, we will continue to be mired in the reactive healthcare model we currently face.

> Improved endurance is good,

Martin

P.S. I used some of the following sources to obtain the data for this article:
(1) Worldobesityday.org (2) a16z: bio-health (3) Nih.gov (4) Crunchbase (5) Bloomberg

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