Could the regenerative and metabolic power of fasting be recreated by a supplement? Mimio Health, a San Francisco-based biotech company born out of UC Davis research, has introduced a fasting mimicking formula developed from over 7 years of clinical research into the effects of a 36 hour fast. We explore the science, early data, and what this might mean for the future of longevity support.
The Biology of Fasting, and Why It Matters
We know that fasting activates a cascade of adaptive processes in the body, including metabolic switching, mitochondrial renewal, autophagy (the body's cellular cleanup process), and enhanced stress resilience. But many people struggle to maintain long fasting windows consistently or safely, and many of these benefits don't start to appear until much deeper stages of fasting, sometimes needing at least 24 hours without food to activate.
Researchers have started asking a compelling question: Can we identify the beneficial signals of fasting and support the body's natural response, without asking individuals to give up food for 36 hours or more? And similarly, for experienced fasters—how can fasting plateaus be leapfrogged?
The Mimio Biomimetic Solution
That question became the foundation of Mimio Health. The company's flagship product, Mimio, was developed by UC Davis scientists and designed to activate the body's fasting pathways using a combination of the same molecules produced in the body during a 36 hour fast, which include: nicotinamide, spermidine, OEA, and PEA.
"As a nutrition researcher, I've always been fascinated by the extraordinary ability of fasting to extend lifespan and activate our body's natural ability to heal itself," says Dr. Chris Rhodes, co-founder of Mimio Health. "But while the health benefits of fasting are remarkable, it can be a hard lifestyle to maintain long term, and it's not safe for many people."
His research team spent five years analyzing metabolic shifts during prolonged fasts, seeking to isolate the body's internal fasting signals and support them nutritionally. The result is Mimio's biomimetic supplement, formulated to recreate the body's internal response to a 36 hour fast.
A Growing Trend: Mimicking Nature and Biology for Human Healthspan
Mimio is leading the biomimetic charge and joins a wider movement in longevity science, one that includes exercise-mimetic compounds under investigation at institutions like the University of Florida and the University of Southampton. These approaches don't claim to replace healthy habits, but rather complement and support them for individuals who may be limited by age, illness, or schedule.
Fasting-mimetic strategies are distinct in that they aim to support the same cellular maintenance systems triggered during extended caloric restriction, without requiring fasting or meal skipping.
"We wanted to find a way to activate those same benefits on demand," says Dr. Rhodes. "After all, it's our biology. Why shouldn't it be under our control?"
Designed with Caution and Clarity
Mimio's formula was tested for safety, third-party certified, and formulated in accordance with regulatory standards. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Rather, it serves as a dietary supplement designed to support cellular health and help individuals align their routines with the biological advantages of fasting.
Mimio's team focuses on education, empowerment, and scientific transparency, offering consumers a deeper understanding of what their cells need to thrive.
What's Next in Fasting Science
Mimio continues to collaborate with academic researchers to explore its biomimetic approach. Upcoming clinical work may further examine how these compounds affect biomarkers of metabolic function and cellular health in broader populations.
As Dr. Rhodes frames it: "Mimio is the fulfillment of a scientific dream. And I couldn't be more excited for what's to come."
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