Syntis targets weight-loss surgery effects with oral therapy

Syntis Bio has recently emerged from stealth with the goal of replicating the effectiveness of weight-loss surgery through a once-daily oral medication. Co-founded by mRNA pioneer Robert Langer, the company aims to leverage the unique biology of the small intestine to tackle not only obesity but also a variety of rare metabolic diseases. According to co-founder and CEO Rahul Dhanda, while GLP-1 drugs have shown remarkable efficacy, there remains a significant need for additional treatment options due to issues related to accessibility, cost, side effects, and long-term maintenance.

The biotech firm is focusing on the small intestine, which plays a critical role in metabolic control, digestion, and drug absorption. Their lead program, SYNT-101, is designed to mimic the effects of gastric bypass surgery by temporarily blocking nutrient absorption in the upper part of the small intestine. This diversion of nutrients to the lower small intestine allows for more controlled absorption and triggers a cascade of satiety hormones such as GLP-1 and peptide YY.

A formulation of SYNT-101, powered by Syntis’ proprietary SYNT oral therapeutic technology, is currently in human trials, with complete data expected by the end of 2024. The results from this study are anticipated to support an Investigational New Drug (IND) application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2025. Langer mentioned that what started as research to improve the bioavailability of oral pediatric therapies quickly expanded in scope when they realized the broad potential of their mussel-inspired polymer chemistry. This technology applies a polydopamine coating to catalase-rich tissues, such as the small intestine, which remains effective for 24 hours before being naturally eliminated from the body.

Langer emphasized that the small intestine holds the key to addressing a wide range of disorders. The SYNT platform can not only maintain gut-restricted enzymes in the small bowel but also improve the oral bioavailability of drugs and target various tissues throughout the body. Earlier in the year, Syntis acquired a portfolio of engineered enzymes from Codexis, including SYNT-202 for homocystinuria and SYNT-203 for maple syrup urine disease. The company is now developing next-generation formulations of these oral drugs and plans to submit an IND for one of them to the FDA in the coming year.

Syntis Bio is supported by Safar Partners, BOLD Capital Partners, Touchdown Ventures, Colorcon Ventures, and Portal Innovations. In 2023, the company raised $15.5 million in seed funding to advance its ambitious research and development efforts.

In summary, Syntis Bio is striving to revolutionize the treatment of obesity and metabolic disorders by harnessing the unique properties of the small intestine. With promising human trials underway and an innovative technology platform, the company is poised to make significant strides in the realm of metabolic health.