The work of the IGAB PAS team was published in Nature Biotechnology, IF 33,1

24.10.24

A comprehensive study by IGAB PAS team published in Nature Biotechnology has unveiled significant growth in global patent filings related to functional foods. The analysis, spanning 20 years of patent data, highlights the increasing emphasis on foods designed to offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition. This surge aligns with consumer demand for products that support health in areas such as weight management, immune health, and mental wellness.

Researchers examined over 47,000 patents, identifying notable trends and key players in functional food innovation. Nestlé SA emerged as a top patent holder, reflecting the company’s ongoing investment in health-centric food products. The study examined patents categorized under 23 distinct health-related themes, with categories like weight control, diabetes management, and skin health seeing high patent volumes. The findings underscore a shift towards preventative healthcare through nutrition, propelled by growing awareness of diet’s role in overall well-being.

The study’s authors suggest that patent trends in functional foods could inform future research, policy development, and business strategies, as the sector is projected to reach a market size of $597.1 billion by 2032.

Publication

Maima Matin, Dalibor Hrg, Olena Litvinova, Małgorzata Łysek-Gładysinska, Agnieszka Wierzbicka, Jarosław Olav Horbańczuk, Artur Jóźwik, Atanas G. Atanasov. The global patent landscape of functional food innovation. Nature Biotechnology, Volume 42, pages 1493–1497 (2024).

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41587-024-02410-0