Unlocking the Full Power of Protein: Amplifye Launches Enzyme-Based Supplement to Transform Nutrition

Courtesy: Amplifye

In a market saturated with protein powders, macros, and performance supplements, biotech startup Amplifye (formerly known as Digestiva) is quietly rewriting the rules of nutrition. With the launch of its first consumer product—amplifyeP24, a capsule that doubles the absorption of protein without altering your diet—the company is staking its claim on a deceptively simple idea: better digestion means better nutrition.

At the heart of amplifyeP24 is P24, a proprietary enzyme born from advanced protein design and precision fermentation. Activated by stomach acid, this enzyme begins breaking down proteins at the earliest phase of digestion—right in the stomach—turning them into highly bioavailable peptides and free amino acids. From athletes chasing recovery gains to perimenopausal women aiming to preserve muscle mass, the potential benefits are broad: improved muscle synthesis, steadier energy, better sleep, digestive ease, and even blood sugar regulation.

“Protein is one of the most essential nutrients we consume, yet much of it goes unused by the body,” said John Melo, Amplifye’s CEO and former head of Amyris. “amplifyeP24 unlocks the full potential of the protein you already consume, doubling absorption for measurable improvements in performance, recovery, and wellness.”

Rather than simply reengineering the protein supply chain, Amplifye is optimizing it—maximizing the nutritional value of each gram of food already on your plate. The company’s approach draws from a deep bench of scientific expertise. Founded as Digestiva in 2019 by UC Davis researchers including Dr. Justin Siegel, Dr. Wilson Mak, and Dr. Bruce German, Amplifye uses computational biology and enzymology to engineer novel proteases. P24 belongs to a lesser-known family of enzymes—S53 proteases—that the team identified for their unique ability to selectively cut protein bonds, enhancing digestibility without adding stress to the digestive tract.

According to Melo, after treatment with P24, proteins yield an average of 30% more small peptides—compounds more easily absorbed by the body—and show increased levels of essential amino acids. “We’re cutting peptides very precisely,” he explained, “and that’s giving us a unique signature that provides bioactivity that in some cases wasn’t there before.”

P24 is also self-affirmed GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe)—a key regulatory milestone that allows Amplifye to market the enzyme as a dietary supplement in the US and pursue food applications without extensive additional approvals. For health-conscious consumers and retail partners alike, GRAS status serves as a signal of both safety and commercial readiness.

The clinical and functional promise of amplifyeP24 is already showing up in early studies. Using the INFOGEST 2.0 model, a gold standard for simulating human digestion, P24 improved protein digestibility by over 100% in the gastric phase and by 15% in the intestinal phase. These gains were particularly strong with plant proteins like pea, soy, and chickpea—sources that often score lower in traditional digestibility ratings like PDCAAS and DIAAS.

A Broader Shift Toward Nutritional Optimization

The launch of amplifyeP24 reflects a broader shift in health and wellness: away from “more is better” and toward nutritional efficiency. Whether it’s bioactive peptides for longevity, functional foods for energy regulation, or enzymes for glycemic control, the next wave of innovation is focused on optimizing what we already consume. Precision tools like P24 align perfectly with this trend—quietly upgrading digestion, nutrient absorption, and metabolic outcomes without the need for radical lifestyle change.

That appeal extends beyond athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Aging populations, individuals with digestive disorders, or those struggling with protein intake—such as perimenopausal women—stand to benefit from technologies that make every gram count.

Amplifye’s approach also reflects a broader resurgence of enzyme innovation, made possible by advances in AI-driven protein modeling, high-throughput screening, and precision fermentation. By engineering targeted enzymes that function under specific conditions—such as the acidic environment of the stomach—companies can now unlock functionality that was previously out of reach.

Compared to existing acid-activated proteases on the market, Amplifye claims P24 delivers superior efficacy with lower loading—meaning it works at lower dosages while offering enhanced outcomes. While many protease products offer general hydrolysis, P24 delivers specific cleavage patterns that result in a unique amino acid and peptide profile, with higher concentrations of essential amino acids.

This precision isn’t just about efficiency—it opens the door to targeted bioactivity, including modulation of blood glucose response and hormonal regulation via pathways such as GLP-1. These functional benefits put P24 in a category beyond conventional digestive aids: not just helping break down food, but amplifying its nutritional and metabolic impact.

Beyond Supplements: Enzymes as Platforms

While amplifyeP24 is the company’s first foray into consumer health, the ambitions go much further. Amplifye is developing additional enzyme-based solutions for food processing, animal feed, aquaculture, and industrial bioconversion.

In food manufacturing, P24’s ability to enhance digestibility and reduce antigenic potential could support the development of hypoallergenic or performance-enhanced products, particularly in plant-based or mixed-protein formulations. In animal nutrition, Amplifye has already demonstrated that P24 can reduce mortality in shrimp fed on brewers’ spent yeast—suggesting it could unlock value from low-cost, low-bioavailability feedstocks.

From food waste valorization to functional ingredient development, P24 and its platform peers could enable a new class of sustainable, efficient protein solutions across the agri-food system.

Scaling Science, One Capsule at a Time

The company recently raised $18.5 million in Series A funding, led by sugarcane processor Magdalena, with participation from UC Investments and Astanor Ventures. This funding supports commercialization, R&D expansion, and manufacturing scale-up. Amplifye is already producing P24 via precision fermentation in India, with plans to move into 100,000-liter capacity and build dedicated facilities within 24 months.

“We didn’t just develop a product—we discovered a completely new enzyme with extraordinary properties,” said Courtney McHugh, co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer. “P24 solves a long-standing challenge in protein bioavailability—and it does so with elegance, efficiency, and a clear path to impact across sectors.”

As the supplement industry continues its pivot to personalization, metabolic health, and food-as-function, amplifyeP24 enters with scientific depth and commercial clarity. Not another macro to chase or gram to count—just a smarter way to get more from the protein you already eat.

AmplifyP24 is now available, marking not just a product launch but a shift in how we think about digestion, nutrition, and the untapped potential of enzymes.