Khaberni - Scientists in Singapore have unveiled new weight loss pills that work directly in the intestines without affecting appetite or brain chemistry.
A team from Nanyang Technological University has developed an innovative compound that targets the intestines directly to reduce the absorption of dietary fats, offering a completely new approach compared to injectable medications such as "Ozempic" and "Wegovy", which rely on suppressing appetite and altering blood sugar regulation.
The compound works by blocking specific receptors on intestinal cells responsible for transporting fats into the body, while simultaneously promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids which reduce inflammation and strengthen the intestinal barrier. With this method, patients can manage weight without reducing food intake or facing digestive system issues such as diarrhea or constipation, which are common side effects of traditional medications.
Initial trials were conducted on mice fed a high-fat diet, focusing on three promising compounds: 12-TAASA, 12-SAASA, and 12-HDTZSA; the trials showed that 12-TAASA was the most effective compound, helping the mice gain significantly less weight than untreated mice, with lighter, less scarred livers, and without any toxic side effects, while maintaining normal blood sugar levels.
A positive change also occurred in the gut microbiome of the mice treated with 12-TAASA; harmful bacteria associated with inflammation declined, while beneficial strains flourished, and levels of acetate, propionate, and butyrate increased, enhancing the body’s insulin response and reducing inflammation.
In the lab, researchers using fluorescent dyes showed that 12-TAASA prevents the entry of fats into intestinal cells while allowing sugars to pass through, confirming it does not affect sugar metabolism.
Dr. Andrew Tan, a metabolic disorder expert involved in the drug's invention, said: "Controlling fat absorption in the intestines could reduce the amount of fat reaching the liver, especially for people unable to exercise or those who consume high-fat meals."
These studies suggest that the new compound could be an attractive alternative for people suffering from obesity or metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASLD), as it reduces fat accumulation in the liver and limits inflammation and scarring, which may subsequently reduce risks of liver failure, heart diseases, strokes, and some types of cancer.
Despite these promising results, the trials are currently on mice, and human biology differs significantly from that of mice, making clinical trials on humans necessary to assess the safety and effectiveness of the compound.
The Nanyang Technological University team is working in collaboration with a biotechnology company to develop this technology, but reaching pharmacies could take several years due to the lengthy approval and regulation processes.
