The wellness industry is buzzing with a new player in the GLP-1 market, and it’s not what you’d expect. Pura Collagen has just launched GLPure+, a groundbreaking alternative that promises to stimulate the body’s natural GLP-1 hormone response without the need for pharmaceuticals. But here’s where it gets controversial: can a collagen-based product really compete with prescription medications in managing glucose levels and appetite? Let’s dive in.
This January 2026, Pura Collagen expanded its product line to seven offerings, showcasing the brand’s meticulous approach to new product development (NPD). GLPure+ is no exception. Each serving of this powder contains 5,000mg of Nextida GC, a patented collagen peptide from Rousselot. Clinically backed by research (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11606891/), Nextida GC is shown to stimulate the body’s natural GLP-1 hormone response and reduce post-meal glucose spikes by up to 43%. But is this enough to rival traditional GLP-1 medications? That’s the question on everyone’s mind.
What sets GLPure+ apart is its holistic formulation. Paired with Nextida GC are ingredients like chromium, which supports macronutrient metabolism (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0273230097911363) and blood glucose control; vitamin C, known for reducing fatigue and supporting natural collagen formation (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18505499/); and zinc, linked to carbohydrate metabolism and overall metabolic function (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916523023535). Together, these ingredients create a powerhouse blend designed to address not just glucose regulation but overall well-being.
Jennifer Mo, Pura Collagen’s founder, was inspired to develop GLPure+ after noticing a surge in GLP-1 medications and receiving customer feedback about their side effects. “There was a tsunami wave of these medications last year,” she told NI. “Whenever I see a medication in high demand, I think about whether there’s a non-pharmaceutical alternative with clinical backing.” And this is the part most people miss: Mo also addressed concerns about the ‘Ozempic face’ effect, where users worry about skin integrity and muscle tissue loss. “Customers asked if collagen could complement these medications,” she explained, emphasizing the importance of consulting a GP before combining supplements with prescriptions.
Mo’s decision to explore Nextida GC was further fueled by preclinical and human data showing its ability to activate intestinal L- and K-cells (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11606891/), which stimulate incretin hormones like GLP-1 and GIP. These hormones play a critical role in glucose regulation and appetite control. “The evidence around certain peptides and their impact on gut health was undeniable,” she added. “It was time to explore this benefit fully.”
But Pura Collagen didn’t stop there. Tapping into the booming digestive health market—projected to grow from $51.7 billion in 2023 to $106.47 billion by 2032—the brand also launched Pura Digest. This product targets bloating, irregularity, and digestive discomfort with a blend of 5g hydrolyzed collagen peptides, 5.5g Biotis GOS, calcium, and vitamin C. The collagen peptides are clinically backed to strengthen the gut lining and combat leaky gut syndrome (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28174772/), while Biotis GOS supports microbiota balance and promotes healthy bowel function. Is this the ultimate solution for gut health? Only time will tell.
Pura Collagen’s evolution since its 2021 launch is impressive. Co-founded by Mo, a sports nutrition expert, the brand started with two SKUs: ‘Glow+’ and ‘Flex+’, targeting skin, hair, nails, and bone health. Today, its lineup includes ‘Sleep’, ‘Balance’, and ‘Protect’, each addressing specific health needs. Available in the UK, Benelux, and Dubai, with plans to expand to Switzerland in March 2026, Pura Collagen remains committed to its core principle: keeping products as close to their raw, natural form as possible.
However, Mo understands the need for convenience. GLPure+ comes in individual serve sachets, perfect for on-the-go use, and the brand is trialing this format across its range in Holland & Barrett Benelux. Is this the future of supplements? It’s a bold move that could redefine how we consume wellness products.
Pura Collagen’s ability to innovate is largely thanks to its acquisition by Vector Consumer Ltd in spring 2024 (https://www.nutraingredients.com/Article/2024/04/15/health-brand-builder-vector-consumer-ltd-acquires-pura-collagen/). This move provided the financial stability and resources needed to scale. “We went from a team of three to 22,” Mo explained. “Now I can focus on what I love—innovation and product creation.”
Looking ahead, Mo is confident that collagen’s potential is far from tapped. “Collagen is here to stay,” she said. “But what’s exciting is the growing research into bioactive collagen peptides and their applications across different conditions.”
So, what do you think? Can collagen-based products like GLPure+ truly compete with traditional GLP-1 medications? Or is this just another trend in the wellness space? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
