Innovative Obesity Treatment Pill Replicates Gastric Bypass Effects

The surge in the use of GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic for weight management has sparked significant interest among biotech firms aiming to develop advanced anti-obesity treatments. Among these innovators is Syntis Bio, a company based in Boston, which is currently working on an oral medication designed to replicate the benefits of gastric bypass surgery without the need for invasive procedures.

Recently, Syntis Bio shared promising preliminary data from animal studies and a small-scale human trial indicating that their novel approach is safe and might effectively curb hunger. The findings were presented at the European Congress on Obesity and Weight Management.

According to the CEO and co-founder of Syntis Bio, the current landscape of obesity treatment necessitates refined solutions to enhance efficacy. A survey conducted in early 2024 revealed that approximately 12% of Americans have experimented with GLP-1 medications, a figure expected to rise. However, many users eventually discontinue these drugs due to factors like cost, insurance limitations, and adverse side effects such as nausea and vomiting. Additionally, some patients prefer a pill over the weekly injections associated with these treatments.

Syntis Bio aims to offer an alternative for those seeking weight loss solutions. The company's drug works by altering nutrient absorption from the small intestine, akin to the effects achieved through gastric bypass surgery, which involves reducing stomach size and shortening the length of the intestine. This surgical procedure modifies how the body processes food and helps individuals feel satiated with smaller portions.

In 2022, about 280,000 bariatric surgeries were performed, yet the rise of new anti-obesity drugs has led to a decline in surgical interventions. A recent study indicated a 25.6% drop in bariatric surgeries correlated with the increased prescription rates of GLP-1s from 2022 to 2023.

Unlike gastric bypass, Syntis's drug does not permanently alter the intestines. Instead, it creates a temporary barrier in the upper small intestine that prevents nutrient absorption, directing it towards the lower part of the intestine where hormones responsible for satiety, including GLP-1, are activated.

The formulation includes dopamine, a small molecule associated with brain function, and a minimal quantity of hydrogen peroxide. When this mixture encounters an enzyme called catalase in the small intestine, it converts hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen while transforming dopamine into polydopamine, a biocompatible polymer. This process results in a thin film coating the intestinal lining, which is temporary and designed to last approximately 24 hours.

This innovative drug concept is grounded in research conducted at MIT by a team of experts who initially sought to develop liquid drug formulations for pediatric use. Their findings revealed that manipulating the permeability of this synthetic coating could effectively control nutrient absorption, making it a promising candidate for treating obesity.

In initial studies, the drug was administered in liquid form through a tube directly into the small intestine to verify the formation of the polymer coating. Trials on tablet forms have already been conducted in animal models, including pigs and dogs, with plans for future human testing.

In rat studies, the drug demonstrated a consistent weight reduction of 1% per week over six weeks while preserving lean muscle mass. A pilot study involving nine human participants indicated that the drug was safe, with no adverse effects reported. Tissue samples confirmed the successful formation and subsequent clearance of the coating within 24 hours. While this pilot study did not focus specifically on weight loss, blood tests revealed reduced glucose levels and lower concentrations of ghrelin, the hunger hormone, alongside increased levels of leptin, which regulates appetite.

Experts note that redirecting nutrients to the lower part of the intestine activates pathways that facilitate satiety and promote healthy weight loss without compromising muscle mass, a concern often associated with GLP-1 drugs. Though GLP-1s are gaining popularity, they may not be suitable for every patient, and it is anticipated that personalized obesity treatment options will emerge in the future.

While initial results from Syntis Bio appear encouraging, experts caution that larger studies are needed to draw definitive conclusions about the drug's efficacy and potential side effects, which may include digestive discomfort akin to those experienced post-gastric bypass.

If successful, this innovative treatment could serve as a complementary option or alternative to existing GLP-1 medications, offering hope for many individuals seeking effective weight management solutions.