Creating a pill that mimics gastric bypass surgery effects
Official title: Development of an Oral Pill to Mimic the Effects of Gastric Bypass Surgery
Funded at Syntis Bio INC · NIH-11005815 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new pill that could help people with obesity by blocking the absorption of nutrients in the gut, offering a safer and easier option than surgery for those looking to manage their weight and improve their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Syntis Bio INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $322,787 |
| NIH project number | 1R44DK141341-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11005815 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with obesity who are seeking effective weight loss solutions without the risks associated with surgery.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not overweight or obese may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop an oral pill that mimics the effects of gastric bypass surgery by blocking nutrient absorption in the duodenum. The approach utilizes a synthetic gastrointestinal lining that adheres to the intestinal wall and works with nanoparticles to create a barrier against nutrient uptake. This innovative method seeks to provide a safer, more accessible alternative to surgical weight loss interventions, potentially benefiting patients who struggle with obesity and its related health issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a non-surgical option for significant weight loss and improved metabolic health for patients with obesity.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of non-surgical weight loss interventions is being explored, this specific approach using a synthetic barrier is novel and has not been widely tested in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
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Syntis Bio INC
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sethuraman, Vasu — Syntis Bio INC
- Study coordinator: Sethuraman, Vasu
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Oral pill to mimic gastric bypass effects for weight loss
A new once-daily pill aims to block nutrients in the small intestine to help people lose weight, similar to gastric bypass effects.
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Oral delivery of peptide medicines using a synthetic intestinal lining
A new technology aims to let peptide drugs be taken by mouth instead of injections, to help people with chronic conditions.
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New method for delivering large drugs through the digestive system
This study is working on a new way to help people with chronic conditions take their medicine by creating a special tissue that makes it easier for important drugs, like peptides, to be absorbed in the stomach, so they don’t have to rely on painful injections anymore.
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An Oral Pill to Mimic Gastric Bypass Surgery
This project is creating a new oral pill designed to help people with obesity lose weight and improve their health, similar to the effects of gastric bypass surgery.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.