What is Akkermansia muciniphila and its Mechanism of Action for Muscle Health

2026.03.31

The next generation postbiotic will allows you to manage the core aspects of skin health

- - - - How is Your Muscle Health?
        
        What kind of tomorrow are you dreaming of? A life of healthy longevity without disease? A vibrant day full of sweat and energy? Or maybe waking up every morning feeling as light as a feather. What is the 'master key' in our body that makes all this possible?
        
        The answer is 'muscle'. Unfortunately, as we age, our bodies gradually lose muscle, and our physical performance declines. Fat clings like an uninvited guest to the places where muscle used to be. The way to break this unfair cycle is surprisingly simple: cherishing and maintaining our muscles, the most important engine of our body.
        
        Trends Tell Us It's the Era of 'Defending Muscles'
        
        According to the recent data, 44% of Boomers have used medication and 24% have used nutritional foods and drinks to prepare for muscle wasting within the past 12 months. Also, the survey showing that 60% of seniors are trying to include protein more actively in their diets proves that 'muscle health' is now a necessity, not an option[1].
        
        Furthermore, we cannot ignore the rapid rise of GLP-1 based weight management therapies. However, a fatal shadow called 'muscle loss' hides behind this miracle. As a side effect of weight loss, countless people are suffering the aftermath of 'skinny fat' or a rapid decline in muscle mass[2]. Smart consumers now deeply realize the importance of muscle over the number on the scale. The fact that the number of new F&B products in 2025 containing protein and at least one additional functional benefit increased by 32% proves this[3].
        
        CJ Bio's Solution for Muscle Health, BiomeNrich™ POST M005
        
        In an era where protein intake alone is not enough, CJ BIO proposes BiomeNrich™ POST M005, a next-generation microbiome solution based on the Akkermansia muciniphila, for Muscle Health. Does the name Akkermansia sound unfamiliar? Akkermansia muciniphila has recently gained significant attention as one of the most promising microorganisms in next-generation probiotic research.
        
        Next Generation Probiotics: What is Akkermansia?
        
        With the rapid advancement of microbiome analysis technology, new microorganisms with powerful potential have been continuously discovered in both academia and the market. Among them, Akkermansia muciniphila was discovered only about 20 years ago but is receiving overwhelming attention worldwide[4].
        
        Akkermansia muciniphila is an anaerobic commensal bacterium in the gut that uses 'mucin', a key glycoprotein component of the intestinal mucus that protects gut epithelial cells, as its energy source. Interestingly, while consuming mucin, this bacterium stimulates the gut epithelial cells to promote the secretion of new mucin[5]. Cleaning up old mucin and producing fresh new mucin, imagine how robust the gut barrier will become! This 'strengthening of the gut barrier' is the starting point of the numerous benefits Akkermansia muciniphila provides to our body.
        
        The 3 Key Functional Components of Akkermansia muciniphila
        
        Recent studies are continuously revealing the functional potential of Akkermansia muciniphila. These effects are largely associated with three core components[6]:
        
        - Amuc_1100 (Outer membrane protein): Binds to the receptor (TLR2) of gut epithelial cells to tighten intercellular junctions. The reinforced barrier, blocks toxins (LPS*) from entering the bloodstream, reducing the body's inflammatory response, and improving insulin resistance.
        
        * LPS (lipopolysaccharide): A complex of lipids and polysaccharides present in the outer cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria, commonly called 'endotoxin'.
        
        - P9 (Secreted peptide): Binds to the glycoprotein (ICAM2) of gut cells, which directly stimulates enteroendocrine L-cells*. Through this, it promotes the body's endogenous GLP-1 secretion, acting as a key player in assisting insulin secretion, suppressing appetite, and normalizing glucose metabolism.
        
        * L cell: Intestinal secretory cells that detect nutrients and secrete various hormones, including GLP-1
        
        - SCFA (Short-Chain Fatty Acid, Acetate and Propionate): Stimulates receptors (FFAR2-FFAR3) of gut cells to induce additional secretion of GLP-1 and GLP-2. It is also a reliable supporter that promotes mucus production from Goblet cell to protect the gut barrier.
        
        * Goblet cell: Columnar epithelial cells that secrete mucin to protect and lubricate the intestinal mucosa
        
        Functional Even Beyond Live Cells: The Advantage of Postbiotics
        
        Even this seemingly perfect Akkermansia muciniphila had one fatal weakness. Being an 'anaerobic bacterium' that hates oxygen, it is difficult to process and consume in a live state. However, research has shown that Akkermansia muciniphila can exert its functional benefits even in an ‘dead cell’ state[6]. This characteristic makes it particularly suitable for postbiotic applications. In particular, BiomeNrich™ POST M005 is produced using a proprietary processing technology that ensures the intact cell structure of Akkermansia muciniphila is preserved until it reaches the gut. This approach allows POST M005™ to maintain its functional potential while offering stability for application in a wide range of product formats.
        
        CJ BIO’s clinically backed muscle solution, BiomeNrich™ POST M005
        
        BiomeNrich™ POST M005 demonstrates muscle health benefits supported by scientific evidence from in vitro, in vivo, and human clinical studies.
        
        POST M005™ may contributes to muscle health by promoting the expression of Follistatin, which antagonizes Myostatin, a factor that causes muscle protein degradation[7]. Myostatin binds to its receptor and inhibits the AKT/mTOR* signaling pathway, leading to an increased expression of the FOXO transcription factor, which in turn induces the production of Atrogin-1*[8]. By binding to Myostatin and suppressing its activity, Follistatin ultimately prevents muscle protein degradation.
        
        Furthermore, Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs), the metabolites actively produced by Akkermansia Muciniphila, also play an incredible role. SCFAs such as propionate and acetate, are known to directly inhibit the expression of Atrogin-1 and promotes AKT/mTOR pathway⁶.
        
        * The AKT/mTOR signaling pathway: A cellular mechanism that drives protein synthesis, cell growth, and survival, serving as the primary driver for muscle building and maintenance.
        
        * Atrogin-1: A key enzyme that causes muscle atrophy (muscle loss) by promoting the degradation of muscle proteins.
        
        In vitro
        
        In human myoblast and myotube models with induced muscle atrophy, treatment with POST M005™ suppressed muscle cell death and demonstrated the potential to improve functionality related to muscle strength[7].
        
        * Key Study Results:
        
        A significant 40.7% increase in Follistatin* expression in the POST M005™ treated group.
        
        A significant 29.9% decrease in Atrogin-1 expression in the POST M005™ treated group.
        
        * Follistatin: An antagonist of myostatin (which inhibits muscle growth), playing roles in muscle regeneration and angiogenesis.
        
        In vivo
        
        The efficacy of POST M005™ has been validated through two distinct in vivo models: the aging mouse model and the Dexamethasone-induced mouse model. The Aging model captures the complex, chronic nature of age-related muscle loss. It reflects the physical decline driven by mitochondrial dysfunction and an overall slowdown in metabolic capacity, which leads to a decrease in muscle protein synthesis. Dexamethasone is an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drug commonly used to treat conditions like allergies, atopic dermatitis, and rheumatoid arthritis. However, it triggers rapid and acute muscle protein degradation by suppressing the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and promotes the expression of Atrogin-1. By conquering both in vivo models, POST M005™ has scientifically shown itself to be the comprehensive solution for muscle health.
        
        In vivo-Dexamethasone induced model[6]
        
        The intake of POST M005™ resulted in a significant increase in grip strength, muscle mass, and the cross-sectional area of muscle fibers in mice induced muscle atrophy.
        
        * V: Vehicle, C: Control, L/M/H: POST M005 Low/Medium/High dose
        
        A significant increase in grip strength was observed across all low, medium, and high-dose POST M005™ intake groups compared to the control group.
        
        In low, medium, and high-dose POST M005™ intake groups, hindlimb lean mass accounted for approximately 13% of body weight, which is a significant increase compared to the 12% observed in the control group.
        
        [Body composition analysis by Dexa]
        
        The area of the Tibialis anterior(TA) muscle increased by approximately 14% and 20% in the medium and high-dose POST M005™ intake groups, respectively, compared to the control group.
        
        [Histological analysis of muscle fiber(TA)]
        
        In vivo – Aging mouse model[9]
        
        The intake of POST M005™ resulted in a significant increase of grip strength, cross-sectional area of muscle fibers, and Follistatin level in aged mouse.
        
        * N: young mouse, C: aged mouse, L/M/H: aged mouse with POST M005™ Low/Medium/High dose
        
        A significant increase in grip strength/BW was observed in POST M005™ groups compared to the control group.
        
        The area of quadriceps (QUAD) and gastrocnemius (GA) muscles showed significant increase in 1.15~1.38-fold and 1.16~1.18-fold, respectively in POST M005™ treatment compared to the control group.
        
        [Histological analysis of muscle fiber]
        
        The Expression of Atrogin-1 was significantly reduced and Follistatin was significantly increased in POST M005™ treated group compared to the control group.
        
        The SCFA in mice cecal feces was higher in POST M005™ treated group compared to the control group.
        
        Clinical Study[10]
        
        To verify the muscle strength improvement effects of POST M005™, a clinical trial was conducted with 100 participants aged 60 and older. The experimental group consumed 1.0 x 10¹⁰cells/day of POST M005™ for 12 weeks, and various biomarkers including muscle strength and muscle mass were measured. After 12 weeks of POST M005™ intake, the muscle strength of the left leg extensor and total extensors showed a significant increase, and the serum Follistatin level, a glycoprotein that promotes muscle growth, also increased.
        
        Significant increase in peak torque and peak TQ/BW in the left and total extensors of the POST M005™ intake group.
        
        Significant increase in blood Follistatin levels in the POST M005™ intake group.
        
        An Unrivaled Solution Perfected by Verified Science
        : The Prestige of the World's First NDI Notification
        
        All scientific findings related to the muscle health benefits of POST M005™ have been published in internationally recognized peer-reviewed journals.
        
        In addition to this, POST M005™ is the "world's first" pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila ingredient to successfully complete the US FDA's NDI (New Dietary Ingredient) notification[11]. Armed with thorough scientific evidence and safety, POST M005™ is the most extraordinary solution that will provide a completely differentiated portfolio to our customer.
        
        How can this solution be applied in product development?
        
        As a postbiotic ingredient, POST M005™ pens up limitless application options. Beyond standard powders, tablets, and capsules, it can be seamlessly incorporated into heat-treated formats like gummies, soft chews, and liquids, as well as various low-pH beverages.
        
        With the advent of the GLP-1 era, healthy weight management without side effects and the protection of muscle have emerged as core trends more than ever. In this context, BiomeNrich™ POST M005 represents a next-generation microbiome ingredient that combines scientific validation, regulatory readiness, and formulation versatility for muscle health innovation.
        
        This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
        
        [1] Innova database, Innova Trends Survey 2026, Innova Health & Nutrition Survey 2025
        
        [2] Pantazopoulos, D., Gouveri, E., Papazoglou, D., & Papanas, N. (2025). GLP-1 receptor agonists and sarcopenia: Weight loss at a cost? A brief narrative review. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 112924.
        
        [3] Innova Database, Innova Trends Survey 2026
        
        [4] Derrien, Muriel, et al. "Akkermansia muciniphila gen. nov., sp. nov., a human intestinal mucin-degrading bacterium." International journal of systematic and evolutionary microbiology 54.5 (2004): 1469-1476.
        
        [5] Zheng, Mengyu, et al. "The role of Akkermansia muciniphila in inflammatory bowel disease: current knowledge and perspectives." Frontiers in immunology 13 (2023): 1089600.
        
        [6] Cani, P.D., Depommier, C., Derrien, M. et al. Akkermansia muciniphila: paradigm for next-generation beneficial microorganisms. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 19, 625–637 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41575-022-00631-9
        
        [7] Jeong, D. Y., Song, D. Y., & Kim, B. C. (2024). Effectiveness of Akkermansia muciniphila HB05P in improving muscle strength and mass in the dexamethasone-induced skeletal muscle atrophy rat model. Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology, 56(1), 102-112.
        
        [8] Trendelenburg, A. U., Meyer, A., Rohner, D., Boyle, J., Hatakeyama, S., & Glass, D. J. (2009). Myostatin reduces Akt/TORC1/p70S6K signaling, inhibiting myoblast differentiation and myotube size. American Journal of Physiology-Cell Physiology, 296(6), C1258-C1270.
        
        [9] Jeong, D. Y., Song, D. Y., & Kim, B. C. (2024). Effectiveness of Akkermansia muciniphila HB05P in improving muscle strength and mass in the dexamethasone-induced skeletal muscle atrophy rat model. Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology, 56(1), 102-112.
        
        [10] Kang, C. H., Jung, E. S., Jung, S. J., Han, Y. H., Chae, S. W., Jeong, D. Y., ... & Yoon, S. J. (2024). Pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila HB05 (HB05P) improves muscle strength and function: a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Nutrients, 16(23), 4037.
        
        [11] NDI 1363 – Pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila HB05P
        
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