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Lycoprozen: The Bio-Fortified Tomato Supplement Targeting MASLD

06/03/2026

Press release
Janus Pharma
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Building on previous breakthroughs in functional food research, a new study has confirmed that a specialized whole-tomato formulation could be a key “dietary tool” in the global fight against liver disease.

Researchers from Janus Pharma (Italy) have released laboratory evidence showing that their patented spray-dried tomato process, known as Lycoprozen, significantly decreases fat accumulation in the liver. These findings offer a potential nutritional strategy for managing Metabolic Associated Steatosis Liver Disease (MASLD)—a condition that can progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer if left unchecked.

As previously reported by Tomato News (see Related article), the Lycoprozen formula (European Patent No. 3 052 113) isn’t just standard puree. It utilizes a novel spray-dry method that incorporates 2% olive waste water powder.

By combining these two Mediterranean staples, the formulation maximizes the tomato’s natural antioxidant properties. Data collected suggests this synergy is highly effective at inhibiting the metabolic pathways that lead to liver inflammation and tissue scarring.

The timing of this research is critical. Currently, MASLD affects millions globally, yet pharmacological treatments are often limited by high costs and limited accessibility, as well as potential hepatic toxicity (ironically, some drugs can be hard on the liver itself).

The recent study, published in the Journal of Translational Medicine (2026), suggests that bio-fortified tomato supplements could offer a side-effect-free alternative. By mimicking the protective metabolite signatures found in a strict Mediterranean Diet (MD), Lycoprozen helps patients achieve the clinical benefits of a healthy lifestyle through a concentrated, functional food source.

The research aligns with a 2025 prospective cohort study in Hepatology Communications, which linked Mediterranean diet metabolites to a reduced risk of MASLD-related mortality.

For our industry, this research underscores the shifting value of the crop. Tomatoes are moving beyond the pantry and into the “nutraceutical” space, where specific processing methods—like Janus Pharma’s spray-drying—can turn a standard berry into a high-value medical candidate.

As global health systems look for cost-effective ways to manage metabolic diseases, the “bio-fortified tomato” may soon move from the lab to the front lines of preventative medicine.

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