A Boston-based biopharmaceutical company is revolutionizing the weight-loss drug industry. Syntis Bio has created a daily oral treatment called SYNT-101 that mimics the results of gastric bypass surgery and Ozempic—and best of all, no side effects have been reported in clinical trials thus far. Their findings were presented at the 2025 European Congress on Obesity (ECO) in Spain. In a published scientific abstract, researchers share what sets the new pill apart from other popular obesity treatments.
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The new pill may be an alternative for bypass surgery and Ozempic.
To treat clinically severe obesity (a BMI of 40 or higher), gastric bypass surgery is the standard. The metabolic and weight-loss procedure "works by modifying your digestive system so that you consume and absorb few calories," explains the Cleveland Clinic. To get these results, doctors surgically shrink the size of the stomach as well as the small intestine.
Gastric bypass surgery has been performed for decades and has been shown to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), sleep apnea, heart disease, and chronic acid reflux, per the health agency. Although common and safe, the procedure has a very long (and strenuous) recovery process. Of course, as with any significant surgery, there are also risks involved.
However, for those seeking non-surgical weight-loss treatment options, GLP-1 drugs have been a saving grace. These injections are sold under brand names like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepound. In the con column, however, is a lengthy list of concerning side effects, namely gastrointestinal issues. Moreover, going off GLP-1 drugs can result in weight regain.
Enter: SYNT-101. The daily pill aids with weight loss, while preserving lean muscle—sans surgery and any side effects.
RELATED: New Weight-Loss Drug Has Patients Shedding Fat Without Losing Muscle.
New research shows that SYNT-101 helps with weight loss while preserving lean muscle.
SYNT-101 "mimics the effects of gastric bypass" by producing a temporary polydopamine film in part of the small intestine, "shifting nutrient exposure to the lower intestine to naturally promote satiety and support metabolic balance," the authors explained in a new release. After 24 hours, the coating naturally releases from the body—which is why daily medication is needed to produce successful results.
In a preliminary trial, scientists reported an average weekly weight loss of 1 percent in rodents taking SYNT-101. What’s more, the animals maintained all their lean muscle mass.
In a preliminary human trial, nine adults also showed positive effects from using the drug. Through endoscopic imaging, experts confirmed that the coating formed successfully. Signs of satiety were confirmed via blood tests.
"During the 10 days following treatment, liver enzymes including aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and bilirubin remained stable for each participant, consistent with normal liver functioning," per the news release. "Additionally, gastrointestinal tolerance was excellent, with no changes noted in the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), and all participants reported an average pain rating of 0."
These findings indicate that SYNT-101 could be a revolutionary solution to managing hunger and weight loss without considerable risks.
"These data validate the potential of SYNT-101 to induce metabolic changes that support glycaemic control, weight loss, and energy balance," said Syntis Bio CEO Rahul Dhanda.
"We believe that SYNT-101 will provide a convenient, more sustainable oral alternative and/or complement to systemic therapies such as GLP-1 drugs. The millions of people living with obesity need novel treatment options that are safe, effective and avoid the high costs and severe side effects that often accompany available treatment options," he added.
Syntis Bio is submitting SYNT-101 for U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval later this year and has plans for additional clinical trials.
