Syntis introduces clinical-stage obesity pill mimicking gastric bypass

Boston-based biotech company Syntis Bio has embarked on a novel approach in the competitive field of obesity treatment with its lead program, SYNT-101. This once-daily pill aims to mimic the effects of gastric bypass surgery by blocking nutrient absorption in the upper small intestine, offering a unique alternative to the widely used GLP-1 agonists. SYNT-101 is currently undergoing its first-in-human trials, with a comprehensive safety and efficacy readout expected later this year. The outcome of these trials will guide Syntis Bio in seeking an Investigational New Drug (IND) application from the FDA in 2025 to further its clinical studies.

The innovative technology behind SYNT-101 stems from research by Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Robert Langer and Giovanni Traverso, Ph.D., who are also among the founders and board members of Syntis Bio. The pill utilizes SYNthetic Tissue-lining technology, inspired by the adhesive properties of mussels, to create a polydopamine coating on catalase-rich tissues like the duodenum. This coating redirects nutrients to the lower small intestine, where absorption is more regulated, thereby stimulating satiety hormones such as GLP-1 and PYY. Designed to last for up to 24 hours, the polydopamine lining is naturally expelled from the body after fulfilling its function.

In addition to slowing nutrient absorption, SYNT-101 can be engineered to deliver a variety of therapeutic effects. Over 100 preclinical studies in pigs conducted by MIT and Syntis have demonstrated significant results, including 70% glucose blocking, a 20-fold increase in enzyme activity, and a 4 to 10-fold improvement in oral drug bioavailability. These promising results position SYNT-101 as a potential alternative or complementary therapy for obesity in a convenient, once-daily pill form.

Rahul Dhanda, Syntis Bio’s CEO and co-founder, emphasized the need for new treatment options due to ongoing issues with the current GLP-1 drugs, such as accessibility, cost, side effects, and long-term maintenance. Dhanda expressed optimism about the encouraging results seen so far in human trials for SYNT-101, highlighting its potential to provide a more accessible and convenient obesity therapy.

Syntis Bio’s development efforts are backed by a $15.5 million seed round, which included investments from Safar Partners, BOLD Capital Partners, Touchdown Ventures, Colorcon Ventures, and Portal Innovations. In addition to SYNT-101, Syntis Bio has expanded its pipeline by acquiring a portfolio of engineered enzymes from Codexis in April. These enzymes are targeted at rare pediatric diseases, including homocystinuria and maple syrup urine disease. Both conditions involve the inability to break down specific amino acids, and current treatments do not offer disease-modifying options. Syntis Bio aims to file an IND application with the FDA for one of these enzyme programs next year.

By leveraging the therapeutic potential of the small intestine, Syntis Bio is pioneering treatments for a wide range of conditions, from prevalent issues like obesity and diabetes to rare diseases with limited treatment options. Codexis’ CEO, Stephen Dilly, Ph.D., expressed confidence in Syntis Bio’s ability to advance these biotherapeutic compounds, given Codexis’ strategic shift to focus on RNAi therapeutics manufacturing capabilities.

Syntis Bio’s innovative approach and expanding pipeline underscore its commitment to developing effective and accessible therapies for both common and rare diseases, potentially transforming the landscape of obesity treatment and beyond.