L-Nutra will establish an Abu Dhabi centre to produce medical and longevity nutrition for the Middle East and North Africa.
The company has added US$36.5m to its Series D, taking the round to US$83.5m and supporting plans for a joint venture to make medical and longevity nutrition for the region.
Founded in 2009 by longevity researcher Valter Longo, L-Nutra turns research on fasting and metabolic health into structured nutrition programmes.
It is known for the “fasting mimicking diet”, which provides specific nutrients in set ratios so cells act as if fasting while still being nourished. This underpins its consumer brand ProLon and its medical nutrition for chronic conditions.
L-Nutra says its work is supported by dozens of clinical trials and a substantial patent portfolio.
Recent research with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and UT Health San Antonio found a five-day ProLon fasting mimicking diet improved weight and blood sugar markers, and increased autophagy, the body’s process of breaking down and recycling damaged cells.
Abu Dhabi-based sovereign investor Mubadala Investment Company manages about US$330bn across sectors and has backed longevity firms including Juvena Therapeutics, Juvenescence and Rejuveron. It is providing the strategic investment.
“This investment reinforces Abu Dhabi’s ambition to expand as a regional hub for longevity science, preventive health, and advanced nutrition technologies, and operates as a natural extension of the sector capabilities we are building across the UAE’s emerging life sciences ecosystem.” said Mubadala’s Ismail Ali Abdulla.
“We are on the cusp of enhancing human healthspan, adding years to our life and life to our years,” said L-Nutra chief executive Dr Joseph Antoun.
“By reformulating food into clinically validated nutrition programmes, we now can support patients and individuals seeking to embark on a healthy longevity journey.”