10073099Development of a novel circular economy plant protein derivative as a readily digestible dietary ingredient to support healthy ageingClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKSarcopenia, or the decline of skeletal muscle tissue with age, is one of the most important causes of functional decline, frailty and loss of independence in older adults leading to increased hospitalizations and mortality rates. There will be ~2Bn people over the age of 65 by 2050 representing the world's fastest growing age-group with a corresponding increase of 68% in the incidence of sarcopenia. However, as life expectancy continues to increase, older demographics are likely to play more significant roles in societies and economies. Adequate nutrition and targeted exercise remain the gold standard for the therapeutic treatment of sarcopenia. The annual cost to the NHS of treating age-related musculoskeletal decline is estimated at £5.7 billion (5% of net expenditure) and in the United States, sarcopenia has been estimated to have an economic burden related to health care expenditures of $18.5 billion per year. Commercially, the global sarcopenia treatments market size was estimated at $2.8 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $3.8 billion by 2028, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of ~4.7% during the forecast period. Bell & Loxton Innovations Ltd is addressing this growing health challenge by developing an easily digestible, sustainable plant-based food ingredient, that can be incorporated into normal food via fortification or as a standalone food supplement. The ability to digest various food groups decreases with age which is further compounded by the need to consume a greater amount of certain nutrient classes than a younger person to maintain health and strength. B&LI is a circular economy company which innovates through extracting high-value biorenewables from abundant agri-food waste streams to create active ingredients of therapeutic and nutritional value. Our plant-based product will be made available to seniors to contribute towards a healthy diet that supports mobility and strength and prolongs independent living thereby reducing the burden on the NHS and the wider care system.