The rising popularity of GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, has sparked intense competition among pharmaceutical companies to develop new and improved treatments for obesity. One company making strides in this field is Syntis Bio, based in Boston. This company is pioneering the creation of a daily pill that aims to replicate the effects of gastric bypass surgerywithout the need for invasive procedures.

Recently, Syntis Bio shared initial findings from their studies involving animal subjects and a small cohort of human volunteers, indicating that their innovative approach is not only safe but may also effectively suppress appetite. These promising results were showcased at the prestigious European Congress on Obesity and Weight Management, further highlighting the growing interest in alternative weight-loss solutions.

We are at a pivotal moment in the treatment of obesity where it is crucial to determine how we can enhance effectiveness, stated Rahul Dhanda, the CEO and co-founder of Syntis Bio. His commentary underscores the urgency in the industry to refine and improve obesity treatment options.

A recent poll conducted between April and May 2024 revealed that approximately 12 percent of Americans have tried some form of GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, or Mounjaro. This figure has likely seen an upwards trend over the past year. However, many users discontinue these medications due to several factors, including high costs, lack of insurance coverage, and unpleasant side effects like nausea and vomiting. Additionally, some patients express a preference for a daily pill rather than the weekly injections required by many GLP-1 drugs.

In response to these challenges, Syntis Bio is dedicated to providing an alternative for individuals seeking effective weight loss options. The mechanism of their drug is designed to redirect the absorption of nutrients from the proximal (or beginning) part of the small intestine to the distal (or end) section. This effect closely mirrors that of gastric bypass, a surgical procedure where the stomach is resized and the small intestine is made shorter, thus causing food to bypass significant portions of the intestine. This surgical method alters how the body absorbs nutrients, resulting in increased feelings of fullness and reduced caloric intake.

Gastric bypass surgery is a form of bariatric surgery that was performed on an estimated 280,000 individuals in 2022. However, the emergence of new anti-obesity medications has led to a noticeable decline in the number of surgeries being performed. A study published in JAMA Open Network highlighted this trend, revealing that as prescriptions for GLP-1 drugs surged between 2022 and 2023, the rates of bariatric surgeries plummeted by 25.6 percent.

Unlike gastric bypass, the drug being developed by Syntis does not involve altering the length of the intestine. Instead, it works by creating a temporary protective coating in the upper section of the small intestine that inhibits the absorption of nutrients. This alteration enables nutrients to be redirected to the lower part of the small intestine, where they can stimulate the release of satiety hormones, including GLP-1.

The formulation consists of two key ingredients: dopamine, a small molecule predominantly associated with brain function, and a minimal amount of hydrogen peroxide. Once this combination reaches the small intestine, it interacts with an enzyme known as catalase. This enzyme's role is to decompose hydrogen peroxide into harmless water and oxygen, during which process the dopamine is converted into polydopamine, a biocompatible polymer. Within minutes of ingestion, a thin film of polydopamine is formed that coats the intestinal lining. Given that the cells in this lining are rapidly renewed, the coating is designed to be temporary, lasting approximately 24 hours.