GLP-1 drugs and next-generation metabolic hormone combinations are transforming the food and health landscape. This forum is designed specifically for food companies and investors seeking a deeper scientific understanding of how these medications impact the human body—not just the gut, but every system they touch. While many discussions focus on short-term solutions to market trends, this event offers something different: a collaborative space to connect science with strategy. Guided by leading UC Davis researchers, we’ll explore how deep scientific understanding of metabolic hormones like GLP-1s can inspire a new wave of innovation—shaping the future of food for health in meaningful, lasting ways.
Our Discovery Forum events are developed for Innovation Institute for Food and Health partner companies, investors, and for our start-ups, scholars and researchers. If you are interested in attending this event, or in becoming an IIFH partner, please contact: [email protected].
Justin Siegel, PhD | Faculty Director, IIFH
Bethany Cummings, DVM, PhD | Associate Professor, UCD School of Medicine
Dr. Bethany Cummings will present a comprehensive overview of GLP-1 signaling and its interplay with other key metabolic hormones and their collective impacts on major physiological and metabolic processes across the body. She will highlight how insights from surgical interventions like bariatric surgery—as well as pharmaceutical and nutritional strategies— can be used to probe these complex hormonal pathways and uncover new insights into their therapeutic potential. This session will explore how a deeper understanding of the integrated hormonal network that regulates appetite, glucose homeostasis, and energy balance is driving the development of innovative therapies for obesity, type 2 diabetes, and related metabolic disorders.
Sean Adams, PhD | Professor & Vice Chair for Basic Research, UCD School of Medicine
In this session, Dr. Sean Adams will delve into the interplay between nutrition and metabolic hormone regulation. From macronutrient composition to bioactive food components, diet plays a pivotal role in modulating metabolic hormones. This session will explore how dietary patterns and nutrients influence metabolic signaling pathways, appetite control, and energy homeostasis to gain deeper insights into how nutrition can be leveraged to complement hormone-based therapies.
Deep knowledge experts on the science of metabolic hormones and their impact on various body systems will present their research. In addition to gaining a deeper understanding of the science, we will discuss how understanding these impacts can provide opportunities in the food and health industries.
Understanding the metabolic impacts of GLP-1 and similar drugs on the brain is essential—especially for the food and health industries—for several reasons that go far beyond simple appetite suppression. Consumers may fundamentally think and feel differently about food. This challenges traditional marketing, sensory design, and product positioning that rely on cravings, nostalgia, or indulgence cues. Changes in the brain may remain altered long after someone stops the drug. Understanding brain-based metabolic changes is crucial not only for targeting consumers effectively, but for reimagining what food means to society.
People on GLP-1s and multi-agonists therapies eat less, drink less alcohol, and make fewer impulse purchases. This could be considered bad news for the food industry. How are food companies evolving and creating new opportunities? How can we all evolve together to ensure a healthier population, a reduced incidence of obesity and disease, as well as successful market valuations. Hear some examples from forward thinking, innovative companies on how they are, or might leverage the opportunities inherent in this evolving marketplace.
Ilias Tagkopoulos, PhD | Director, AIFS
As GLP-1-based therapies redefine the landscape of metabolic health, AI is emerging as a critical tool for navigating this new frontier. This session will examine the practical role of AI in advancing precision nutrition, particularly in the context of metabolic hormone therapies such as GLP-1 receptor agonists. Dr. Ilias Tagkopoulos will discuss how AI-driven models can be leveraged to analyze complex biological, dietary, and clinical data to better understand individual variability in metabolic responses. Attendees will gain insight into current research and applications of AI that support data-informed decision-making in nutrition science, with a focus on opportunities and challenges in integrating AI into personalized health and food system solutions.
Justin Siegel, PhD | Faculty Director, IIFH
UC Davis Health
Thomas Schmidt | CEO, 21st.Bio
As GLP-1 therapies alter appetite, metabolism, and body composition, the role of protein in nutritional strategies is gaining renewed attention. In this session, Thomas Schmidt, co-founder of 21st.Bio, will explore how precision approaches to protein nutrition can support muscle maintenance, metabolic health, and satiety in individuals using GLP-1-based medications. Drawing on insights from biotechnology and nutritional science, Schmidt will discuss opportunities for developing tailored protein solutions—both in formulation and delivery—that align with the physiological changes associated with GLP-1 use. This session will highlight practical considerations and innovation pathways for aligning protein nutrition with the needs of a changing metabolic health market.
This interdisciplinary panel will bring together leading scientists and industry experts to discuss the evolving role of precision nutrition in the context of GLP-1 and multi-agonists therapies and metabolic health. Panelists will share insights from their respective fields—including -omic technologies, gut microbiome research, lipid metabolism and brain health, personalized nutrition, and functional ingredient development—highlighting how scientific advancements are shaping targeted dietary strategies.
Dr. Mohammed Ali | Professor and Chief of Foregut of Metabolic and General Surgery, UC Davis Health
As GLP-1 therapies become central to managing obesity and metabolic disease, nutrition plays a pivotal role in long-term patient success. In this session, Dr. Mohamed Ali will share clinical insights on how patients experience and adapt to metabolic hormone interventions. This session will discuss how these therapies influence dietary patterns over time and discuss strategies to address reduced appetite, ensure adequate nutrient intake, and promote sustainable nutritional support.
George Baxter, PhD | Chief Innovation and Economic Development Officer, UC Davis
Kat Cole | CEO, AG1
Founders, investors, and R&D leaders from the forefront of metabolic health will discuss how startups are responding to the rise of metabolic hormone therapies. This panel uniquely combines perspectives from both the biotech and food tech sectors. Panelists will share insights on developing a range of solutions—from novel therapeutics to personalized nutrition products—that address the emerging needs of this new patient and consumer population. The conversation will explore strategies for product development, clinical validation, and market adoption in this interconnected ecosystem.
Justin Siegel, PhD | Faculty Director, IIFH
Location:
Parking:
Hotel recommendations:
