HTBA’s new Leanara targets the muscle loss problem that GLP-1 drugs don’t solve
HealthTech Bio Actives (HTBA) used Vitafoods Europe 2026 to launch Leanara®, a dual-effect ingredient combining proprietary bioflavonoids with highly bioavailable vitamin B12, formulated specifically to address lean muscle loss and fatigue in consumers using GLP-1 receptor agonist therapies.
The Barcelona-based manufacturer of citrus flavonoids and active vitamin B12 forms presented the ingredient at stand 5A14 during the Geneva exhibition, held 5–7 May, alongside its established MecobalActive® and DiosVein Forte® portfolios.
The muscle loss problem behind the GLP-1 boom
GLP-1 receptor agonist therapies have generated significant consumer uptake, particularly in the United States, with demand now accelerating in Europe. A 2026 population study published in BMC Medicine estimated that approximately 4.9 million British adults have recently used or expressed interest in GLP-1 medications.
However, published research points to a clinically relevant side effect: studies suggest that 40–60% of weight lost during GLP-1 therapy may derive from lean muscle mass rather than adipose tissue, where this is not actively managed.
“Interest in GLP-1 weight loss therapies is already booming in the USA, and the ripple effect is reaching Europe now too,” said Tom D’Hoore, Chief Commercial Officer at HTBA. “This is where functional foods and supplements can play a key role, helping GLP-1 users maintain strength and vitality throughout their weight loss journey.”
What Leanara contains and how it works
Leanara combines HTBA’s proprietary bioflavonoid fraction with methylcobalamin – a bioidentical, active form of vitamin B12 – to target three physiological outcomes: lean muscle development, fatigue reduction, and metabolic optimisation. The formulation draws on published research into hesperidin’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, alongside the established role of B12 in methionine remethylation and energy homeostasis.
The ingredient is positioned as a companion formulation rather than a standalone weight management solution, intended to be incorporated into supplement or functional food formats alongside GLP-1 therapy.
Portfolio context and formulation formats
Leanara sits alongside two existing HTBA ingredients presented at the event. MecobalActive is a bioidentical active form of vitamin B12 targeting cognitive and physical performance, whilst DiosVein Forte is a micronised flavonoid fraction developed to support vascular health and circulation.
Tasting samples on the stand illustrated the breadth of delivery formats under development, including Leanara mango-flavoured powder sticks, MecobalActive cherry-flavoured chewable tablets, and DiosVein Forte mandarin-flavoured gummies.
Science presentation at Vitafoods
Dr Teresa Pellicer, Biotechnology Manager at HTBA, presented the physiological rationale for GLP-1 companion nutrition at the New Ingredients Theatre during the exhibition, covering mechanisms of muscle integrity preservation, fatigue reduction, and metabolic health maintenance during caloric restriction.
“Vitafoods Europe is an ideal platform to introduce Leanara to the industry and demonstrate how it sits within our wider portfolio of nature-led, science-backed functional health solutions,” said D’Hoore. “We look forward to exploring co-creation opportunities to inspire the future of health and nutrition.”
HTBA has operated for over 45 years and manufactures at a facility in Murcia, Spain, with ideation centres in Spain and Ohio, USA.
- For more information, visit: htba.com
