SBS & Obesity

Early programs in collaboration with OPKO

Short Bowel Syndrome

Short bowel syndrome is a complex disease that occurs due to the physical loss or the loss of function of a portion of the small and/or large intestine. Consequently, individuals with short bowel syndrome often have a reduced ability to absorb nutrients such as fats, carbohydrates (sugars) vitamins, minerals, trace elements and fluids (malabsorption).

Currently, the only approved SBS treatment, a GLP-2 analog, requires daily subcutaneous injections.

Obesity

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 73% of U.S. adults ages 20 and older were considered either overweight (31%) or obese (42%).

Oxyntomodulin (OXM) is a naturally occurring peptide hormone found in the colon, with glucagon-like-peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucagon dual agonist activity which suppresses appetite and induces weight loss. An injectable pegylated version of OXM has demonstrated significant reductions in weight loss and decreased plasma triglyceride levels in over 430 patients in phase 2/2b studies.

Collaboration

We have a collaboration agreement with OPKO to leverage our N-Tab™ technology for the development of oral formulations of GLP-2 for short bowel syndrome and GLP-1 & glucagon for obesity.