Ontario Sun - Lexaria’s DehydraTECH-Semaglutide Shows Significant Reduction in Side Effects Compared to Rybelsus® in Interim Study Results

Lexaria Bioscience Corp. has released promising interim results from its phase 1b study, GLP-1-H24-4, showcasing the efficacy of DehydraTECH-semaglutide in reducing adverse effects compared to the widely used oral GLP-1 medication, Rybelsus®. The study, conducted in Australia, highlights a 36.5% reduction in overall side effects and a 43.5% decrease in gastrointestinal adverse events with DehydraTECH-semaglutide, marking a significant advancement in patient safety and tolerability.

The interim data, covering the first 8 weeks of the 12-week chronic study, reveals that while 100% of participants taking Rybelsus® experienced at least one adverse event, only 79.2% of those on DehydraTECH-semaglutide reported similar issues. This represents a 20.8% reduction in the number of individuals experiencing adverse effects, alongside a notable decrease in the severity and frequency of gastrointestinal complaints, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Comparisons with Novo Nordisk’s STEP studies further underscore the potential of DehydraTECH-semaglutide, with Lexaria’s formulation showing a 10.1% lower incidence of adverse events among participants. This reduction could have profound implications for patient adherence, as side effects are a common reason for discontinuing treatment. The study also explores the effects of DehydraTECH-tirzepatide, though direct comparisons are challenging due to the absence of commercially available oral tirzepatide.

Efficacy endpoints, such as changes in HbA1c levels and body weight, are also under evaluation, with early results suggesting comparable performance between DehydraTECH-semaglutide and Rybelsus®. However, the small sample size of Lexaria’s study and the preliminary nature of the data call for cautious interpretation. The full impact of these findings will become clearer as the study progresses and more data is collected.

Lexaria’s DehydraTECH technology continues to demonstrate its potential to enhance drug delivery, offering hope for improved treatment options for patients worldwide. The company anticipates releasing additional interim results as the study advances, with final outcomes expected by the end of 2025.