At Nalu Bio, we believe in body positivity and that every body is a “beach body.” However, with projections indicating that by 2035 more than half the global population will be obese—a condition that contributes to multiple chronic health issues—innovative weight management solutions are essential for longevity. Nalu Bio is at the forefront of this effort, leveraging the power of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) and the unique benefits of THCV, to address this critical issue.
The ECS is our built-in natural balancing system that regulates many critical bodily processes, including metabolism and gastrointestinal functions. Harnessing the power of this important system enables Nalu Bio to develop prescription and VMS products that solve the top health and wellness challenges—including weight management.
With promising weight management benefits, THCV interacts with the ECS to influence various physiological processes, including metabolism and appetite. It is one of the more than 100 active compounds, known as cannabinoids, which can be derived from the hemp plant for incredible health benefits. Nalu Bio has developed THCV through organic chemistry, which maintains the molecular identity of the plant while addressing the drawbacks. As recently featured by mg Magazine, the production of cannabinoids is undergoing a fundamental shift. Manufacturers are now embracing chemistry-derived ingredients for improved cost-efficiency, scalability, availability, quality, and consistency.
The Obesity Epidemic: A Closer Look
Obesity profoundly impacts health, contributing to various chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), women are more likely to be obese than men. In fact, 28% of women in the United States are overweight. The issue intensifies with age, as women typically gain an average of 1.5 pounds each year throughout their 50s.
Efforts to maintain a healthy weight for women are further complicated by hormonal imbalances during menopause, societal pressures, and the prevalence of weight-related stigmas that can impact mental health. This trend highlights the need for effective, sustainable weight management solutions, particularly for women.
The Link Between THCV and the ECS
What if achieving a healthy weight didn’t require injections and unwanted side effects? THCV has shown promise in aiding weight management by interacting with the ECS to influence various physiological processes. The ECS consists of receptors (CB1 and CB2), endocannabinoids, and enzymes that regulate the synthesis and degradation of these endocannabinoids. THCV primarily interacts with CB1 receptors, which are abundant in the brain and central nervous system, as well as CB2 receptors, which are mainly found in the immune system and peripheral organs.Unlike its more famous counterpart THC, THCV does not produce intoxicating effects at regular doses. Instead, it offers several benefits that make it an attractive option for those looking to manage their weight effectively:
Appetite Suppression: THCV can act as an antagonist at CB1 receptors, blocking or reducing their activity. This is significant for weight management because CB1 receptor activation is associated with increased appetite and fat storage. By inhibiting CB1 receptor activity, THCV can help decrease appetite and promote a feeling of satiety, making it easier to manage food intake and support weight loss efforts.
Increased Energy Expenditure: THCV has been found to increase energy expenditure, helping the body burn more calories throughout the day. This can be particularly beneficial for those struggling to lose weight despite making dietary changes.
Improved Metabolic Health: THCV may also improve metabolic health by regulating blood sugar levels and enhancing insulin sensitivity. This is crucial for preventing and managing conditions like diabetes, which are often linked to obesity.
Formulated by Women for Women
Research suggests that women have a higher density of cannabinoid receptors in certain areas of the brain, enabling the ECS to be more efficient in women than in men. This insight drives our development of the first Nalu Bio products to hit the market, formulated for women by women. Our partnership with PIPA has enabled us to create a new category of health and wellness products optimized by AI to determine how unique bioactive combinations, including THCV, can enhance efficacy for healthy weight management among other top health challenges. The team, led by co-founder Caitlyn Krebs (CEO) and board members Phyllis Whiteley and Dondeena Bradley, collectively brings decades of pharmaceutical and healthcare experience, driving this innovation forward.
Research has shown that among the 100+ cannabinoids found in the hemp plant, many offer unique and differentiated effects, like THCV for weight management. However, the plant doesn't efficiently produce all these cannabinoids in extractable and purifiable amounts. At Nalu Bio, our advanced AI discovery platform ensures more effective and consistent production, making these compounds readily available for innovative health and wellness products for our CPG and pharmaceutical partners.
In addition to developing our own no-high, chemistry-derived THCv for weight management, Nalu Bio is the first company to offer combinations of cannabinoids and bioactives to address the world’s top health and wellness challenges. The result? Safe, effective, and consistent products for the food and beverage, health and wellness, personal care, and therapeutic sectors.
We believe that by harnessing the power of the ECS, we can create products that not only help people manage their weight but also enhance their overall health and well-being. Join us on our journey to transform the health and wellness industry.
Sources: World Obesity Atlas, 2023 "Therapeutic Potential of THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin): A Mini-Review of the Literature." Journal of Cannabis Research, vol. 2, no. 16, 2020. https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-020-0016-7 "Therapeutic Potential of Cannabinoids in Neurological and Neuropsychiatric Disorders." Molecules, vol. 26, no. 20, 2021, article 6178. https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/26/20/6178 "Sex Differences in Cannabinoid Receptor-1 Signaling." Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, vol. 5, 2011. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/behavioral-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnbeh.2011.00064/full
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