Fexaramine is a new substance that is being studied because it has a beneficial effect on weight loss and increased insulin sensitivity. Several studies in obese mice prove that this substance induces the body to burn fat and, consequently, leads to weight loss, through the reduction of fat mass, without the need for any change in diet.
This molecule, when ingested, mimics the same "signals" that are emitted when eating a meal. Thus, by signaling to the body that a new meal is being eaten, a thermogenesis mechanism is induced to "create space" for the new calories that are supposed to be ingested, but as what is being ingested is a medicine without calories, this mechanism leads to weight loss.
Unlike other agonist substances from the same receptor that were previously developed, treatment with fexaramine restricts its action to the intestine, leading to an increase in intestinal peptides, resulting in a healthier intestine and a reduction in systemic inflammation.
All of these factors make fexaramine a strong candidate for the treatment of obesity and diseases associated with overweight, including type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease.
In addition, it has also been found that fexaramine mimics some of the beneficial metabolic effects of bariatric surgery, which is a very efficient procedure in reducing body weight, improving the health of obese people. In both cases, insulin sensitivity is improved, glucose levels decrease, the bile acid profile is improved, intestinal inflammation is reduced and, finally, body weight is reduced.
Future studies will help reveal whether fexaramine will lead to new treatments for obesity.
Does this substance have side effects?
Fexaramine is still being studied and, therefore, it is not possible to know if it causes side effects. However, unlike other remedies that are used to lose weight, fexaramine exerts its action without being absorbed into the bloodstream, avoiding certain side effects that are caused by most weight loss remedies.
When will it be marketed?
It is not yet known for sure whether the medicine will enter the market and when it can be marketed, since it is still in the study phase, but it is thought that if it has good results, it could be launched in about 1 to 6 years.
