Calcium absorbtion research in the intestine

Obesity is dramatically increasing worldwide with an expanding need for gastric bypass surgery (RYGB) as the leading option for the management of severe obesity. These surgeries result in reduced intestinal absorption of calcium, even in the presence of oral calcium supplementation, with consequently negative calcium balance and increased risk of decalcification and bone fractures.

Epicyt develops a new pharmaceutical treatment, based on the specificity of Glycocholic and Butyric acids in increasing gut calcium absorption. The combination of the two in BAFA (Epicyt oral product) can increase, in models, the calcium absorption up to 8 times. This represents an opportunity for an unmet post-surgery medical need, with a growing potential market that could reach US$ 450M in 2030.

 Phase: Soon to enter Phase I study 

Impact: Patients will achieve an increased calcium uptake leading to lower risk of decalcification and bone fractures.

Project leader: Miguel Forte

GUV Contact: Sara Lorentzon