New method for delivering large drugs through the digestive system
Official title: Polymer Epithelial Lining for the Oral Delivery of Macromolecules
Funded at Syntis Bio INC · NIH-11259211 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
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 | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,245,529 |
| NIH project number | 4R44DK138869-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11259211 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with chronic conditions such as metabolic diseases, aging-related issues, infectious diseases, or inflammatory disorders who require peptide-based therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have chronic conditions or those who are not prescribed peptide-based medications may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a synthetic tissue platform that enhances the oral delivery of macromolecule drugs, particularly peptides, which are effective for treating chronic conditions. The approach aims to improve the absorption of these drugs in the gastrointestinal tract, overcoming challenges such as rapid gastric emptying and variable intestinal contents that hinder drug effectiveness. By utilizing a mucoadhesive synthetic epithelial lining, the goal is to provide a more patient-friendly alternative to frequent injections, thereby improving adherence and overall treatment outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the way chronic conditions are treated by allowing patients to take effective medications orally instead of through injections.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been advancements in oral delivery technologies, this specific approach using synthetic epithelial lining is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Where this research is happening
-
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 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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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.
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Creating a pill that mimics gastric bypass surgery effects
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.
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.