Validation Of Novel Nutrient Formulation For Appetite Regulation

Our scientific group has pioneered research on how our gut senses the contents of a meal since 1984\. This research has culminated in a major paper published this year showing our discovery of a novel and effective means to reduce appetite in obese people. Our company, Enterika, was set up to take this discovery to the market as a product that could then be made available for a very large unmet need -- appetite suppression and weight loss.

For a while, it has been known that specialised cells in various parts of the intestine can sense different nutrients by specialised receptors (molecules) on the outsides of the cells lining the intestine wall. Our discovery was that targeting certain nutrients specifically to the lower gut (colon) gives rise to appetite suppression by activation of some of these specific sensor molecules. In turn, these cells then release hormones into the blood stream and activate sensory nerves leading to appetite suppression. A critical part of our discovery was that different nutrients act via different molecules, and only by combining the actions of more than one nutrient could we stimulate this process. Another critical finding was that naturally occurring dietary nutrients are effective in triggering this response in small quantities. This means our approach is drug-free, safe and could have broader health benefits.

Our product currently consists of capsules filled with pure nutrient coated with a protective layer that only breaks down when it reaches the colon. However, many capsules are required before each meal. We aim to refine this formulation (based on recent advances in pharmacology) so it is smaller but still as effective. This will take more lab work to ensure the pathway of hormone release is adequately activated, and a clinical study in obese subjects to check that the capsules achieve their aim of inducing hormone changes and suppressing appetite. Further streamlining and optimisation will continue until we have the best product.

To our knowledge, no other company or institution is pursuing the approach we have chosen. We are therefore in an ideal position to take these two clear steps towards occupying a substantial and successful part of the anti-obesity treatments market.