Saanroo features weight management and gut health solutions at Expo West 2026

As GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide go mainstream, Saanroo sees growing demand for science-driven, targeted companion supplements that align with stricter regulations and long-term health goals. 

Metabolic health and weight management support are expected to take center stage at next week’s Natural Products Expo West 2026, in Anaheim, California, US (Mar 3–6). Saanroo highlights opportunities for engagement with formulation leaders, regulatory professionals, and commercial decision-makers across global markets at this trade show.

“Our discussions this year focus on metabolic health, GLP-1, gut and digestive health, innovative approaches to women’s health, our ongoing leadership in men’s health, and unique formulations for longevity or health span,” Maggie McNamara, VP of Global Marketing at Saanroo, tells Nutrition Insight.

“We are continuing to build on the momentum of our recent rebrand to Saanroo and are debuting Trpti and BioBerb.”

Trpti is an oleoylethanolamide (OEA) ingredient designed to support healthy weight management and metabolic health. OEA is a fatty acid ethanolamide that is produced in the intestine in response to food intake.

It activates the receptor protein PPAR-α (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha) to promote fat breakdown and help reduce appetite, while also stimulating GLP-1 release via a metabolic signaling mechanism. As such, it delivers “multi-targeted metabolic support,” says McNamara.

“We will also highlight BioBerb, a clinically studied, cold-water-dispersible berberine from Pharmako Biotechnologies. Designed to overcome the solubility and gastrointestinal (GI) tolerance challenges of traditional berberine, BioBerb improves dispersibility and compatibility across capsule, powder, and beverage formats, supporting stability and efficacy.”

Evidence-based products

McNamara notes that the nutraceutical sector continues to see a rise in “savvy” supplement users seeking evidence-based products. “Consumers demand effectiveness, enhanced bioavailability, sensory appeal, and convenience.”

“Additionally, format types like stick packs, functional powders, ready-to-mix beverages, gummies, gels, and hybrid multi-format systems are transforming development priorities,” she continues. “These applications require ingredients with specific solubility profiles, stability under different conditions, and compatibility across various product categories.”

At last year’s Expo West, Saanroo highlighted the weight management, metabolic, and microbiome health benefits of Trpti.According to McNamara, Saanroo has invested heavily in gold-standard clinical research for its ingredients.

“Brands are increasingly looking for solutions backed by human clinical data,” she highlights. “Simultaneously, practical formulation limitations remain a hurdle for certain high-demand botanicals.”

Additionally, Saanroo’s global partnership with Pharmako Biotechnologies helps to address demand for innovative dispersion technologies that enable improved format design, lower dosages with higher active load, improved solubility, and enhanced bioavailability.

“Through our partnership with Pharmako Biotechnologies, we are positioned to enhance an ingredient’s bioavailability, dosing, and suitability for contemporary product development by utilizing its innovative delivery systems across the nutraceutical, food, beverage, and beauty sectors,” McNamara details.

For example, she says that berberine, although well researched, often presents challenges with solubility and GI comfort. Using Pharmako Biotechnologies’ dispersion platform improved berberine’s cold-water solubility and facilitated integration into various formats, enhancing formulation versatility while maintaining clinical consistency.

GLP-1 support to center stage

Access to GLP-1 medications like semaglutide continues to rise, driven by emerging science and drug product development. Experts expect these drugs to dominate 2026 health trends.

Last year, the US FDA approved Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy semaglutide pill as the first oral GLP-1 for weight loss in adults.

McNamara previously told us that the introduction of this pill could make the weight-loss medication “even more mainstream.” She advised brands to widen their focus on supporting consumers from starting these drugs through discontinuation to sustain long-term results.

“Metabolic health will remain a primary focus, especially as GLP-1 medications change how consumers view performance and results,” she predicts. “We also anticipate ongoing growth in cognitive and hormone-related products, driven by more robust research and clearer evidence.”

Also at Expo West 2026, Rousselot will highlight its collagen peptides for GLP-1 weight loss support, Nextida GC, while Nuritas will present its PeptiStrong peptide for muscle health in a drinkable yogurt.

Targeted supplements

Over the next year, McNamara expects the nutrition and nutraceutical industry to continue moving toward targeted, science-backed supplements that offer clear, real-world benefits.

“Across the globe, regulations will keep increasing standards for documentation, safety, and manufacturing transparency. Consequently, brands will seek partners who can provide more than just innovative ingredients — they’ll require support with quality systems, scalability, and global compliance,” she details.

“For Saanroo, this means continuing to expand our clinical research efforts, building strategic academic partnerships, and advancing our delivery technologies through Pharmako Biotechnologies.”

In addition to novel products, she predicts that in the next 12 months, success will be driven by how well science, technology, and execution come together within a strong, sustainable operating model.