Joshua Nair
A new weight loss gel has recently been approved for sale in the US market, and it could be an alternative to GLP-1 injections.
Swedish company Sigrid Therapeutics is introducing a product called 'Carb Fence' into the international market, which has been described as a medical food that can help regulate blood sugar and weight management for those with type 2 diabetes.
It is believed that the gel can be used as an alternative to popular injections like Ozempic and Mounjaro, while having similar effects.
Due to the positive results registered in the SHINE study in prediabetes, it was approved for the US market, as the trial found that it improves glucose metabolism and reduces body weight.
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The 'medical food' category is recognised by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for the dietary management of health conditions following advice from a qualified physician.
According to the official Sigrid website, Carb Fence is the 'first clinically validated medical food' to 'support blood sugar regulation, weight management, and metabolic health.
It uses a technology called SiPore, based on mesoporous silica particle (MSP) tech, acting as a molecular sieve which helps to stop the interaction between digestive enzymes and food, slowing down the digestive process.
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Sigrid claims that the gel, which is consumed per pack at the start of each of your three meals in the day, can negate the direct glucose impact of high-fat and sugar foods.
Data from the SHINE trial was positive, according to the company, which said that one participant displayed more stable blood sugar after consuming the Big Mac meal whilst using Carb Fence.
They say that they'll be able to transform fast food into 'slow food', meaning that the impact of a junk food treat won't have as much of an effect while you're on the medical food.
It is stated on the website that the product lowers post-meal blood sugar spikes, supports long-term blood sugar, and also helps to sustain weight management while preserving muscle mass.
While GLP-1 drugs work by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, reducing blood sugar, increasing insulin release and making you feel fuller for longer, they require injections to be administered to patients.
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Carb Fence can be orally ingested and is taken with meals, so there is no need to worry about increases in dosage.
The number of side effects reported on the GLP-1 medication is also a concern for some, though it isn't clear if Sigrid's product has a similar impact.
CEO Sana Alajmovic explained to Medical Device Network: "We believe we can be a more gradual and sustainable weight loss treatment. We don’t have the drastic efficacy of GLP-1 drugs, but this is a more sustainable long-term treatment to lose weight.
"We are also targeting those looking to maintain their newfound body weight for people transitioning away from GLP1 treatments. 85% of people on GLP-1 therapies will quit after two years," he claimed.
Alajmovic also claimed that once you stop taking these injections, you're 'likely to regain almost two-thirds of the weight that was lost', which forced people to stay on the drugs.
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"So, if you can give them something that can stop this weight gain, I think we could be very successful there," he said.