UC Davis–born amplifye Targets a New Frontier in Protein Efficiency Amid GLP-1 Era

As a new class of GLP-1 therapies reshapes how millions of people eat, researchers and innovators are increasingly focused on how to ensure the body still gets the nutrients it needs.

That challenge is now being addressed by amplifye, a startup that emerged out of the University of California, Davis, that is translating enzyme research into technologies designed to improve how the body breaks down and absorbs protein.

Founded by CEO Glenn Nedwin alongside UC Davis researchers including Justin Siegel, Bruce German and Wilson Mak, amplifye originated from cross-disciplinary collaboration spanning enzyme engineering, nutrition science and physiology.

The company’s origins trace back to research in the Siegel lab, where scientists identified a family of enzymes capable of breaking down proteins with unusual efficiency, at acidic pH. At the same time, collaborators were examining how protein digestion changes over time and how those changes affect human health.

“We don’t absorb 100% of the protein we eat,” Nedwin said. “If you could enhance that process, you would increase the amount of amino acids in your blood and stimulate muscle protein synthesis.”

That insight reflects a broader research focus at UC Davis, where faculty across disciplines are exploring how food, metabolism and health intersect. As people age, natural digestive processes can become less efficient, contributing to reduced nutrient absorption and muscle loss. This challenge has become more pressing alongside emerging health trends.

GLP-1 receptor agonists, initially developed to treat type 2 diabetes, are now widely used for weight management and metabolic health. These therapies suppress appetite and can lead to significant weight loss, but they also introduce new nutritional considerations

“People taking GLP-1 medications are eating less, but often losing lean muscle mass in the process,” Nedwin said. “A way to address that is by increasing the absorption of the protein they do consume, and thus stimulating muscle protein synthesis.”

amplifye’s technology is designed to do just that. Its enzyme platform works in the acidic environment of the stomach, enhancing the breakdown of dietary protein into amino acids and biologically active peptides that are more readily absorbed by the body. The approach builds on naturally occurring biological processes, improving nutritional efficiency.

Early observations suggested the technology could have broader metabolic implications. In user data and preliminary studies, the company saw increases in circulating amino acids and, in many cases, better muscle recovery, reductions in blood glucose levels, less bloating, and reports of better sleep. These effects are consistent with known links between protein digestion and metabolic signaling.

“When you break down proteins into amino acids and peptides, you can stimulate natural GLP-1, which that stimulates insulin and lowers blood glucose,” Nedwin said.

For UC Davis, amplifye is another example of how university research can translate into real-world applications. The company licensed its core technology from the university and has remained closely connected to its research community, drawing on expertise from faculty such as Keith Baar, a professor in the Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, and industry leaders like Harold Schmitz of The March Group.

Institutional resources also played a role in helping the company navigate early development and build industry connections. Through engagement with programs like the UC Davis Innovation Institute for Food and Health and support from the broader innovation ecosystem, including UC Davis Venture Catalyst, amplifye gained access to potential collaborators, partners and investors.

“I think getting exposure to different companies and people that might be interested in collaborating or doing licensing deals has been very helpful,” Nedwin said. “That’s something UC Davis provides very strongly.”

Today, amplifye operates with a dual strategy, developing its own consumer-facing products (direct to consumer) while also pursuing partnerships (business-to-business) to incorporate its enzyme technology into a wider range of nutritional applications. The company is exploring use cases beyond human health, including pet nutrition, livestock feed and other areas where improving protein utilization could reduce waste and improve outcomes.

For university leaders and researchers, the company’s trajectory highlights the value of interdisciplinary collaboration and a focus on translation from the outset.

“Understanding the customer and the economics is just as important as the technology,” Nedwin said. “If you don’t know who is going to buy it and at what price, you don’t have a product. You have an academic exercise.”

As GLP-1 therapies continue to influence dietary behavior and reshape expectations around nutrition, UC Davis researchers and startups are developing solutions that respond to changing habits, while also improving how food supports human health.

For amplifye, the goal is simple but increasingly relevant: help people get more nutrients from what they already eat.

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