AMINO ACID SCIENCE

COVID-19 is spreading rapidly and threatening to health of the general population. No vaccine or approved drug is available to eradicate the virus, yet. A robust immune system, appropriate symptomatic treatment and the quality of intensive care unit facilities are the main determinants of survival.

1. A deficiency or imbalance in plasma amino acid levels impairs immune function and increase the susceptibility of humans to infectious disease. Amino acids influence the outcome of an infection by modulating the activation of host defensive responses and the virulence of the pathogen.
2. Dietary supplementation of specific amino acids can be used to enhances the immune status, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality. We want to formulate a specific amino acid supplement based on common patterns in the plasma amino acid profiles of COVID-19 patients.
3. A cost-effective, targeted nutraceutical will benefit the vulnerable and infected population in the world to improve health and prevent infectious diseases.

The specific problem we want to solve is to reduce the number of affected case and relieve the disease asymptomatically or mildly, without requiring special treatment, hospitalization or ventilation.

As of 13 June 2020, WHO reported that there were 7,553,182 confirmed COVID-19 cases globally, including 423,349 deaths.  Almost two thirds of deaths are 65 years and older and are prone to infectious diseases, mostly due to malnutrition, muscle wasting and underlying systemic diseases.

A deficiency or imbalance in plasma amino acid levels impair immune function and increase the susceptibility of humans to infectious disease.  All infectious diseases resulted in a significant depression in total plasma amino acids because they are utilized at an accelerated rate by the liver for synthesis of acute phase plasma globulins, other immune mediators and energy.  Infection induced inflammation causes loss of lean body mass and muscle breakdown. During severe illness and immobility, skeletal muscle declines up to 4% per day.  COVID-19 specifically impairs respiratory functions.  Such hypercatabolic process is correlated with increased morbidity, hospitalization, and mortality.  

This process requires coordinated healing to restore homeostasis. Adequate dietary provision of amino acids is necessary for sustaining normal immunocompetence and protecting the individual from diseases.

We aim to develop a targeted nutraceutical for Covid-19 patients and people at risk via analyzing the plasma amino acid profile of Covid-19 patients.

The ability to trigger strong defensive events and to counteract hypercatabolic process is influenced by the nutritional status of the affected individual. Essential amino acid supplementation is shown to improve quality of life including nutrition status, muscle function, depressive symptoms and daily life activities.  Amino acids inhibit protein breakdown in both the young and the elderly, and induce protein synthesis. Also, amino acids boost the immune system and improve mood via brain neurotransmitter synthesis.

Currently, we don’t know how amino acid profile is altered in COVID-19 patients which have been previously shown in other viral infections such as AIDS, hepatitis and chronic diseases such as type2 diabetes. Therefore, we will first investigate the plasma free amino acid patterns of COVID-19 patients.

As a part of clinical study, serum samples collected by Barts Biorescource from Covid-19 patients in London will be used to quantitate circulating levels of amino acids. Based on specific changes and correlations with patient symptoms and outcomes, we will design an oral amino acid formulation specific to Covid-19 patients and people at risk.  

The Covid-19 pandemic is threatening all continents and second wave is expected to last at least a year. Therefore, we target the entire population at risk of coronavirus in the world. The elderly and those with underlying medical problems are particularly important as they are more likely to develop serious illness.

In addition to effective protection, a robust immune system is a key factor to relieve the disease asymptomatically or mildly without requiring special treatment, hospitalization or ventilation. Using the plasma amino acid profile of an individual or common characteristic of a particular group is the ultimate way to formulate customized supplements.

In order to understand and determine the needs in depth, we will analyze the plasma free amino acid profiles of hospitalized COVID-19 patients and reveal correlations with patient symptoms such as presence and duration of fever, cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue; and outcomes such as duration of hospitalisation, requirement for mechanical ventilation, and medical treatment.Therefore, products will be designed based on data from a sufficient number of biochemical samples to address the exact needs of Covid-19 patients. A cost-effective nutraceutical will benefit the vulnerable and at-risk population in the world to improve health and prevent infectious diseases.

With the COVID-19 outbreaks, we realized that all people around the world are vulnerable to epidemics. COVID-19 raised awareness of the importance of having a robust immune system in terms of protection and rapid recovery. We observed that individuals tend to improve their health with supplements during the pandemic. In such cases, scientifically proven essential amino acid supplements may be more useful than other standard nutraceuticals. Since the majority of the world's population is still at risk of coronavirus, an easily accessible, cost-effective formula adapted to the needs of COVID -19 patients should be considered an unmet need.

We are working on the amino acid profiling algorithm for predictive, preventive and personalized medicine, so we providing personalized supplements tailored to the needs of an individual or a particular group.

The basis of our technological solution is a unique interpretation software of amino acid profiling, and our expertise in the production of free form amino acid supplements that are fully tailored as a metabolic therapy based on data from amino acid profiling.

This approach is the ultimate way of serving a nutraceutical to an individual because it is personalized according to his own blood analysis. We can also do it for a particular group if the group has a common amino acid pattern.

During the pandemic we observed that people arbitrarily used food supplements without knowing exactly what they needed. In our solution, the product will be designed to target the need of Covid-19 infected people.

Another important point that we differ from other nutraceutical companies is that we only use free form amino acids because human needs free form amino acids, not protein as supplements.  Protein powders are not made up of free form amino acids. To break down amino acids into free forms, powders must be digested with enzymes in the intestines. Therefore, free form amino acids do not require digestion, which means that they can pass from the intestine to the bloodstream within minutes with 100% bioavailability.

The basis of our technological solution is a unique interpretation software of amino acid profiling, production of free form amino acid supplements and cofactors that are fully tailored based on data from amino acid profiling.

Plasma free amino acids can be quantified by different technics. However current reporting system is not suitable to make interpretations to distinguish between physiological and pathological states except childhood metabolic disorders.

We have developed Amino Acid Reporting Software which helps to determine and interpret health risks by displaying amino acid distribution patterns and featured indexes and ratios. (works online: http://analiz.draydinduygu.com/Giris.aspx )

These indexes that aid in clinical diagnosis and progression are also useful indicators for the nutritional management of specific physiological (e.g. lactation, growing) and pathological (e.g. infection, insulin resistance, obesity) conditions.

A good balance of amino acids means a good nutritional status since 16 of 20 amino acids are nutritionally essential or conditionally essential.  Because amino acids are involved in all of the metabolic pathways, blood level of each amino acid and ratios directly reflect the cofactor needs such as vitamins, minerals or other micronutrients. For example, manganese is a cofactor of arginase enzyme which effects arginine to ornithine ratio, and iron and tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) are cofactors of phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) which effects phenylalanine to tyrosine ratio.

Therefore, all ingredients in our products are adjusted not only according to their plasma levels, but also for metabolic indexes, competition between each other during metabolic pathways such as during intestinal absorption and brain pass.

This technology we use is very well explained in the literature. However, a healthcare professional or a company using amino acid analysis is almost never. Technology that translates amino acid data into customized products is not common.

How amino acids can be useful as an indicator for facilitating nutritional management of specific physiological and pathological states is very well described at the given link of the article:  Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care 2009 Jan;12(1):49-53. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...

The concept of “formulations of amino acids can be tailored on demand according to metabolic requirements and for balancing deficiencies” is described at the given link of Am J Cardiol 2004 Apr 22;93(8A): 6A-12A.  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...

And, the benefits of amino acid supplements for infection-induced hypercatabolic and other muscle wasting diseases are described at the links of: Clin Nutr. 2016 Apr;35(2):322-330.  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...

J Hum Nutr Diet 2015 Aug;28(4):313 30. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...

Clin Nutr. 2011 Oct;30(5):571-7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...

MedCity, UK endorsed Dr Aydin Duygu as Innovator in Digital health/Medical technology as of 18th December 2019 as "Dr Aydin Duygu has pioneered a technique and evidence-based algorithm to undertake comprehensive human amino acid profiling and thereby provide personalised supplementation unique to the needs of an individual client. The innovation in this service is both in the linking of personalised analytical profiling of multiple Amino acids in a human sample to a personalised supplement uniquely tailored to deficiency/excess/absorption profile of that individual."  

A deficiency or imbalance in plasma amino acid levels impair immune function and increase the susceptibility of humans to infectious disease.  Amino acids influence the outcome of any infection by modulating the activation of host defensive responses and the virulence of the pathogen.

Activities:  We want to investigate plasma free amino acid patterns of COVID-19 patients. Based on the findings in this specific group, oral amino acid formulations will be designed as a supportive treatment to enhance physical and psychological recovery during illness and also as an immune booster for prevention.

We designed a clinical study titled "Investigation of Plasma Amino of COVID-19 Patients to Formulate Specific Oral Supplements That Maintain Homeostasis". The academic partner in this project will be Queen Mary University of London. 

Output     We target to collect 100 plasma samples of Covid-19 patients from the Royal London Hospital in a clinical study setting.  

• The plasma amino acid profile of COVID-19 patients will be revealed for the first time, which will also be important for future clinical approaches and studies.
• Based on specific changes and correlations with patient symptoms and outcomes, we will design oral amino acid formulations specific to Covid-19 patients and people at risk. 

Short term outcomes: We will learn how the amino acid profile changes in COVID-19 patients previously shown in other viral infections such as AIDS, hepatitis and chronic diseases.

Medium term outcomes:

According to WHO confirmed case reports, the entire population, especially 65 and older is vulnerable to infection due to aging, underlying systemic diseases, muscle loss and malnutrition.

Amino acid supplementation counteracts the hypercatabolic process in the affected individual which was shown in previous studies.

We will experience how the specific supplement will match the needs and what to do more.

Long term outcomes: In the absence of vaccine and specific treatment for Covid-19 patients, an immune booster specific to Covid-19 will reach and affect the lives of millions of people. This experience and approach can be translated into other health threats in the long run.

Currently, we are working client-based and apply amino acid analyzing and then formulate customized supplementation accordingly.

For specific groups, we have processed data for type II diabetes (150 samples), soccer players (100 samples), depression (150 samples); but we did   not market a group specific nutraceutical yet.

For this project we targeted 100 plasma samples of Covid-19 patients from the Royal London Hospital  as a process of clinic study.

We target to manufacture and market the products for the fourth quarter of 2020 at latest. So, we may tell about 2021 expectation.

As of 13 June 2020, WHO reported that there were 7,553,182 confirmed Covid-19 cases.

I want to share the data of USA, UK, and Turkey as of 13 June 2020.

Total cases                              Daily Cases

USA       2,162,144                         20,000

UK         295,889                            1514

TR          178,239                            1459

Total     2,475,862                         22,973

We hope cases numbers will reduce; however, winter period is risk for a second and third waves.

We made assumptions according to dynamic coronavirus world map but we can also consider to add people who wants to boost immune system with this product.

Assumptions are limited to 3 countries, and the expected daily case decreased 70% by the end of 2020.For the second and following year, we consider reaching as an immune booster since an effective vaccine can be launched against coronavirus. 

If we consider only infected cases, the number of people we plan to reach:

Current:                     0

1 year:                        1,000,000, at least

5 years:                       5,000,000

Currently, we work customer-based and apply amino acid analysis and then formulate customized supplements accordingly. This is the basis of our business model. We have processed more than 3000 individual amino acid profiles and processed data for type II diabetes (150 samples), footballers (100 samples), depression (150 samples). In addition, we have supplemented each individual with tailored products and collect their outcomes.

With the solution of Covid-19, we will first launch a disease or group-specific product and expect to reach millions of people for the next year. However, we are aware that specific products are also needed for metabolic problems such as type2 diabetes, obesity, chronic fatigue and mood disorders. Type2 diabetes and obesity are also considered a pandemic.

There is considerable evidence that amino acids are effective as supportive therapy for these conditions. However, we will develop products for these particular groups in the light of our processed data and our experience. As there is no emergency like Covid-19, we plan to conduct clinical trials to test group-specific products in these groups over the five-year period.

I have been working as a medical doctor dedicated to amino acid analysis and amino acid supplement-based treatments in Istanbul for 8 years. And for a year, I founded my startup company Amino Acid Science Limited at Imperial College-I-Hub, London.

 “The Investigation of Plasma Amino of COVID-19 Patients to Formulate Special Oral Supplements to Maintain Homeostasis” is the first project of Amino Acid Science Limited.

The most important barrier for the Covid-19 solution is financial insufficiency. Since Amino Acid Science Limited is a very new startup, our business model is new and not well known in the UK.

 As a specific barrier to the Covid-19 project, we are not experienced in manufacturing and marketing procedures in the UK.

The first step and the most important part of our Covid-19 project is to conduct clinical trial to reach amino acid profiles of Covid-19 patients.

Thanks to investigators at Queen Mary University of London, we collaborate in this study, we can access reliable data evaluate it scientifically.

We have considerable expertise in the second step of the design of the products.

For the following steps for manufacturing we met several manufacturers in the UK and  have already determined one which can supply all free-form amino acids and cofactors.

For the registration procedures, we will work with an agent in the UK that has not yet been identified.

We are looking for partners to market and distribute the product.

We are looking for investors for the whole process and also as a financial resource.

2 full-time

3 contractors

Dr Aydin Duygu MD, MSc is a medical doctor specialized in Family Medicine and holding a master degree in Biomedical Engineering.

Dr Aydin Duygu is a former clinical research director with the multinational life science companies Celgene and Abbott.  Dr Duygu is a published author in the field of amino acid research and the operator of the Dr Amino Acid Clinics in London and Istanbul.

MedCity, UK endorsed Dr Aydin Duygu as Innovator in Digital health/Medical technology. "Dr Aydin Duygu has pioneered a technique and evidence-based algorithm to undertake comprehensive human amino acid profiling and thereby provide personalised supplementation unique to the needs of an individual client."

 Two  contracted researchers  working in Wingate Institute for Neurogastroenterology Centre for Neuroscience and Trauma, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, UK. 

Their researching fields  are new diagnostics, therapies and personalized medicine. They are  published academicians on enteroendocrine communication between the gut and the CNS.

Prof.Dr. Adem Karahoca is professor of Software Engineering and MIS. He is a full professor and dean of Engineering Arch. Faculty, Nisantasi University, Istanbul Turkey.

Prof Karahoca is experienced in using the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system, data mining and developing artificial intelligence algorithm.

İbrahim Bal, Chemist

Mr Bal is working as chemist and supply chain director for Amino Acid Science Limited. He is responsible for preparing mixtures according to the receipts and re-configuring the formulation to ensure product stability.  

Our business model is based on technique we have pioneered and evidence-based algorithm to undertake comprehensive human amino acid profiling and thereby provide personalized supplementation unique to the needs of an individual client.

We serve in three categories as wellbeing, sports and healthcare.

Thanks to our software, we use the the advantages of predictive and diagnostic features of amino acid analysis more efficiently Accordingly, we prepare a customized free form amino acid and its cofactors (vitamins, minerals) for three purposes:

• For the prevention of determined health risks such as insulin resistance, cardiovascular risks, collagen degradation.
• For improvement and enhancing physical and mental performance such as increasing muscle mass, increasing attention, correcting low mood, etc.
• For the supportive metabolic therapy such as type2 diabetes, obesity, insomnia.

We are already in the age of personalized nutrition and medicine, where innovative medical tests and new technologies determine new molecules, nutrients and approaches to improve overall health and well-being. Amino acid analysis and customized supplement or nutrition management are best match to predictive, preventive and personalized approach in nutrition and medicine.  

Currently, our organization actively serves for medical consulting and personalized supplementation. 

We expect resources from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) to fund our designed clinical trial. 

If we do not have a grant, we will increase investment capital.

We will need cooperation for marketing budgets.

Our company is an innovator start-up endorsed by governmental body. We have a unique business model, but we are not experienced in following the ways to create an institutionalized structure for our company.

 We think we need mentors in terms of creating business models, regulatory matters, marketing and media issues as well. If our solution is chosen, all training and interaction will help us learn how a company can grow. 

For the first time we exhibit our business and our project in an important media. We hope that we may contact and build fruitful relationships with who may interest with our business.   

We want to establish partnerships that will help us grow in a structured manner with its expertise. 

For example, we are never looking for a partnership or investor that makes a deposit and expects profit. Instead, we are looking for a partner who can add value to our business on the way of development. 

Our partnership should understand the value of our business and bring it to the potential that we cannot achieve with our resources in a short time.

Our business is based on three important steps:

• The software we developed generates an interpretation model of amino acid profiles
• We design customized supplements formula
• We manufacture customized supplements

Therefore, artificial intelligence play very important role in this model in addition to good manufacturing procedures.

According to this business model, we want to establish partnerships in the field of artificial intelligence and nutraceutical development and manufacturing companies.

We also want to establish partnership with a nutraceutical or pharmaceutical company for the marketing and distribution of Covid-19 products.

During COVID-19 outbreaks, we realized that despite advanced technology, we were unprepared and insufficient for the pandemic. Moreover, all people in the world are still vulnerable and at-risk for possible future outbreaks.

COVID-19 has raised awareness of the importance of a robust immune system, which is key factor to protect and relieve the disease asymptomatically or mildly. Strong defense and ability to resist infection-induced hypercatabolic process are affected mainly by the individual's nutritional status.

During outbreak, we observed individuals tend to improve their health through nutrition, supplements, and exercise. In addition, psychological health is negatively affected by many concerns such as fear of catching illness or business.

Amino acid supplementation has been shown to improve nutrition status, muscle function, depressive symptoms and daily life activities in various diseases.  Amino acids achieve this through inhibition of protein breakdown, boosting the immune system and improving mood via brain neurotransmitter synthesis.

Our solution aims to formulate specific amino acid products according to blood analysis of Covid-19 patients to optimize nutrient therapies.

An easy-to-access, cost-effective formula adapted to coronavirus infection will benefit the vulnerable  population in the world to improve health considering that the nutritional status of most people is not good in the world, even in developed countries.

Therefore, our solution is unmet need for millions of people, and can inspire others to study evidence-based functional nutraceuticals.

The Elevate Prize will encourage and provide us comprehensive support for our projects such as protective medical supplement program for disaster victims and refugee camps. 

In our solution summarized as “Free form amino acid supplements tailored for Covid-19, based on common patterns of the plasma amino acid profiles of COVID-19 patients”  the basis of our technological solution is already endorsed  as an innovation in digital health by MedCity UK,  with a  description of :  our company has pioneered a technique and evidence-based algorithm to undertake comprehensive human amino acid profiling and thereby provide personalized supplementation unique to the needs of an individual client."

So far, we have evaluated more than 3000 amino acid profiles with this software and designed customized dietary supplements and recommendations accordingly. Thanks to this important data source, we plan to develop our software with artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies to generate an automated interpretation and recommendation report in accordance with evidence-based science.

AI for Humanity Prize will support us to improve our current software that provides a comprehensive interpretation for health and nutritional status in order to distinguish a healthy, risky or diseased individual.

Plasma amino acids reflect the metabolic state of the entire body because they play roles almost in all metabolic process. Amino acid concentrations specifically change with infectious diseases and with chronic disease such as diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases almost 10 years before their onset.

The need for a nutrition and early health risk assessment tool such as we proposed is inevitable, as nutrition and its relationship with chronic diseases are the main focus of last two decades.