Khaberni - Popular weight loss medications have brought about a significant change in obesity treatment methods around the world.
While injections remain expensive and out of reach for many, the new pills are expected to facilitate access to treatment and significantly increase demand.
However, a recent study from the University of Adelaide highlights potential effects of an auxiliary component used in these pills, "Sodium N-[8-(2-hydroxybenzoyl)amino]caprylate" (SNAC), which is responsible for enhancing drug absorption.
The study found that this component may biologically affect the intestines and their functions.
Study Results
This study is the first of its kind to systematically evaluate the impact of repeated exposure to SNAC on living animals, particularly regarding the composition of gut microbiota and its functions and metabolic outcomes. Over the course of 21 days, the researchers observed several changes:
Decrease in levels of beneficial bacteria responsible for digesting dietary fibers.
Decrease in short-chain fatty acids, which protect the intestinal lining and regulate inflammation.
Increase in inflammation markers in the blood.
Increase in liver weight, which may reflect the presence of mild inflammation.
Reduction in the size of the cecum, the part where bacteria digest fibers and produce protective compounds.
Decrease in protein levels associated with cognitive impairment.
Although the study did not directly prove that SNAC causes harm, the results suggest the possibility of its biological impact beyond its role as an enhancer of "Semaglutide" in the pills.
"Semaglutide" and the Pills: How Do They Work?
"Semaglutide" is the active ingredient in weight loss medications. When administered by injection, it enters the bloodstream directly, but in pill form, it relies on SNAC to protect it from degradation in the stomach and enable absorption. Without SNAC, the oral medication would not be effective.
With the United States' approval of "Wegovy" pills late last year, and expectations that they will be cheaper and more convenient than injections, there will be increased long-term daily exposure to SNAC.
Researcher Warnings
Amin Ariay, the lead researcher and a PhD student at the University of Adelaide, said: "Obesity is a chronic and complex disease with severe health consequences. These medications are highly effective and help many, but with the increasing use of pills, it is important to understand the impact of long-term, repeated exposure to all components of the medication, not just the active compound."
He added: "Although SNAC enables the intake of 'Semaglutide' in pill form, our study has shown that it is associated with changes in gut bacteria that may be harmful, elevation of inflammation markers, and a decrease in proteins associated with cognitive impairment. These findings warrant further research."
Dr. Paul Joyce, the senior researcher, noted that the results are derived from animal models and not humans: "These results do not prove that SNAC causes harm to humans, but they show that the component that enables the pills to work may have biological effects beyond drug absorption. Typically, these medications are taken daily, often for long periods, making it necessary to evaluate all their components."
The study was published in the journal Controlled Release.
