Mimer Medical's Spinach Extract, Appethyl, Takes a Giant Leap Towards a Health Claim
The journey of Appethyl, a spinach extract with potential satiety benefits, has reached a pivotal moment. After a rigorous process, Mimer Medical has successfully navigated the complex world of supplement health claim substantiation, with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) deeming their dossier valid and admissible for formal scientific review.
This achievement is a testament to the team's dedication and expertise. Professor Jan Bruhn, an eminent pharmacognosy professor and senior vice president of R&D at Mimer Medical, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, 'It’s very inspiring to get this far. We think this is a significant milestone in the process we have been working so hard towards for the last two to three years.'
The road to this point has been challenging. Bruhn highlights the difficulty of the process, noting that EFSA received 61 health claim applications between 2010 and 2020, rejecting 55 of them. The team's application, filed in September 2025, focuses on the claim that 'consumption of Appethyl as part of a meal prolongs satiety and reduces cravings after that meal.'
Five clinical trials support these specific benefits. A 2015 study, as mentioned in NutraIngredients, demonstrated a remarkable 43% greater weight loss and an 85% reduction in cravings for unhealthy foods with a single 5-gram dose of the spinach extract.
Mimer Medical is now open to acquisition offers for the Appethyl project, including patents, trademarks, and clinical and technical documentation. Bruhn emphasizes the importance of a team with expertise in both scientific substantiation and regulation, reflecting the project's Swedish origins and the team's commitment to its success.
Appethyl's story began with Lund University professors Charlotte Erlanson-Albertsson and her husband Per-Åke Albertsson, who integrated their weight management and photosynthesis expertise nearly two decades ago. The extract is enriched for thylakoids, cellular membranes responsible for photosynthesis, which are believed to slow fat digestion and increase satiety hormone production.
However, the journey has had its hurdles. Swedish firm Greenleaf Medical previously licensed the manufacturing from Lund University but faced challenges, including the loss of major investment, leading to bankruptcy and the ingredient's disappearance from the market in 2023. Mimer Medical stepped in, purchasing the IP and enlisting Professor Erlanson-Albertsson to revive Appethyl, recognizing its potential in the thriving weight management market.
Bruhn highlights Appethyl's unique selling point: its impact on two hunger hormones, offering a 'broader' and 'gentler' effect compared to natural GLP-1 agonist drugs. This differentiation is crucial in a market saturated with competitors.
As Mimer Medical continues its journey, the future looks promising. With the EFSA's validation, Appethyl is one step closer to becoming a recognized health claim, potentially revolutionizing the weight management industry. The team's dedication and the ingredient's unique properties make it a fascinating development in the world of supplements.
