Last week’s headlines included the new research collaboration between Novonesis and Novo Nordisk, why Yerba Maté could be the next breakout star for the weight management category and GNC expanding its partnership Watsons in Singapore.
Novonesis and Novo Nordisk partner on microbiome innovation
Novonesis and Novo Nordisk are joining forces in a new research collaboration to explore solutions that seek to preserve and optimize metabolic health and well-being.
The global firms, each leaders in their fields, will work to develop synbiotic food biotic solutions to support users’ blood glucose and cholesterol levels.
In addition to investigating how the gut microbiome may be used to monitor and predict metabolic and overall health trajectories, the companies will explore novel biomarkers with the aim of measuring the effectiveness of gut microbiome solutions.
“This is a really exciting collaboration and so proud that we are now looking more holistically at the key role of the microbiome,” said Adam Baker, PhD, science director of Novonesis’ Human Health Future Lab. “With our research, we continue to uncover the gut microbiome’s complexity, and as we learn more about its impacts on health, new ways to support health and well-being are emerging, and this project is part of that.”
Novonesis’ strain library holds around 50,000 microbial strains, which are scientifically backed to support multiple areas, including gastrointestinal, mental, women’s, infant, immune, oral and cardiometabolic health.
“Cardiometabolic health is deeply influenced by the microbiome, which makes it a central focus for new innovations in microbiome biotic solutions,” Dr. Baker said. “Our new partnership will open the door to new biosolutions, such as scientifically backed dietary supplements that support metabolic health and overall well-being.”
Yerba Maté: The next big weight management ingredient?
With data supporting its metabolic benefits and growing consumer interest, Yerba Maté could be the next breakout star for the weight management category, wrote Afif Ghannoum, CEO of CPG Radar, in the first installment of his monthly guest column with NutraIngredients.
Yerba Maté, the traditional South American tea, is gaining serious traction—especially online, where it is been being highlighted for its potential weight loss benefits. According to Signals data, consumer interest in Yerba Maté surged in 2025, with search volume increasing 40% between January and June.
And according to social media analysis, consumers are more than twice as likely to associate Yerba Maté with weight loss benefits than brands are to promote those benefits. That gap signals unmet demand—and opportunity.
Signals’ Claims vs. Science analysis shows support for weight-related benefits. A systematic review of 32 studies found Yerba Maté improves metabolism and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, Ghannoum noted.
GNC expands Watsons Singapore’s presence
GNC Holdings has expanded its partnership with health and beauty retail chain Watsons. GNC started its selling its products in Singapore exclusively via Watsons in October of last year. The duo also introduced a GNC store-within-store concept in Watsons flagship outlet at Ngee Ann City this past January.
“Following the launch of GNC’s first store-within-a-store at Watsons’s flagship Ngee Ann City location in January 2025, the concept has since expanded,” the company said on Sept. 12.
“GNC products are now available across all Watsons stores in Singapore, offering customers convenient access to trusted, science-backed wellness solutions.”
GNC’s partnership with Watsons came after a three-year hiatus in the Singapore market.
