A Breakthrough in Obesity Treatment: Syntis Bio’s Innovative Drug
The Research Behind the Drug
A new obesity treatment being developed by Syntis Bio is grounded in groundbreaking research conducted at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) by Giovanni Traverso and Robert Langer. Traverso, a gastroenterologist and mechanical engineer, alongside Langer, a chemical engineer and biotech entrepreneur, aimed initially to design liquid drug formulations suitable for children. Their work evolved to focus on creating a temporary synthetic coating with tunable permeability, allowing for controlled drug absorption. This capability is particularly promising for obesity treatment.
How the Drug Works
The drug is designed to be taken orally, either in capsule or liquid form, and is eliminated from the body within 24 hours due to the natural turnover of the gastrointestinal mucosal surface. This rapid clearance is crucial for its potential applications in obesity management. Traverso likens the coating mechanism to the adhesive properties that shellfish, like mussels, use to anchor themselves to their environment.
Promising Animal Study Results
Initial research included administering the drug in a liquid form via a tube directly to the small intestine, confirming that the desired polymer coating did indeed form as expected. Subsequent testing on tablet forms in pigs and dogs has shown positive results. In studies conducted on rats, participants experienced a consistent reduction in weight, averaging a loss of 1% weekly over six weeks, while maintaining 100% of their lean muscle mass.
First Human Pilot Study
The first pilot study involving nine participants indicated the drug’s safety, with no adverse effects reported. Researchers utilized tissue samples from the intestine to verify the formation of the coating, which was effectively cleared from the body within a day. While this pilot study was not designed specifically to measure weight loss, blood tests revealed noteworthy outcomes: a decrease in glucose levels and a reduction in ghrelin, the hunger hormone, alongside an increase in leptin, which regulates appetite.
Mechanism and Future Potential
According to Syntis co-founder Dhanda, the redirection of nutrients to the later sections of the intestine activates pathways associated with feelings of fullness, energy expenditure, and sustainable weight loss. The findings from animal studies further suggest that this novel drug could provide effective weight loss solutions while preserving muscle mass, a significant advantage over existing GLP-1 medications, which can lead to muscle loss.
Expert Opinions
Louis Aronne, an obesity medicine specialist at Weill-Cornell Medical College and clinical advisor for Syntis, acknowledges the potential of this compound as an early-line treatment for obesity. He predicts a future where various personalized obesity treatment options will be available. Meanwhile, Vladimir Kushnir, director of bariatric endoscopy at Washington University in St. Louis, warns that while the pilot data is encouraging, the small sample size warrants caution. He anticipates that the drug may also entail gastrointestinal side effects similar to those experienced after gastric bypass procedures.
Conclusion
Although it is still in the early stages of development, Syntis Bio’s innovative approach may pave the way for new therapeutic options for obesity management. As further studies progress, this drug holds promise as a potential adjunct or alternative to current GLP-1 therapies.