Sigrid launches natural drug alternative technology for weight control

The glucose control supplement uses silica mineral to prevent breakdown of carbs and fats

The assortment of obesity drugs on the market is growing at breakneck speed, with the new Zepbound just approved by the FDA, following the earlier launches of Wegovy and Ozempic. Yet all three are prescription injections for diabetes patients as well as people with a raised body mass index signifying obesity.

Now, there is a new treatment released in the U.S. market by a Stockholm-based developer – Sigrid Therapeutics – and it’s made available straight to the consumer as a natural and preventive solution for lowering blood sugar.

Sigrid has developed a technology containing mesoporous silica mineral to prevent digestive enzymes from breaking down carbohydrates and fats, offering an appealing alternative to the injections and other invasive methods marketed by pharmaceutical giants.

The supplement released in Miami, called Sigrid Glucose Stabiliser, comes in capsules designed to be taken with meals. Upon oral ingestion, it travels through the intestinal system entrapping enzymes responsible for breaking down carbs and fats and goes out naturally, reducing calorie absorption and making you feel fuller for longer. The technology is made from a natural mineral, is environmentally friendly and gentle to the human body, with no side effects, according to the company.

Next year, Sigrid plans to bring the supplement to the U.S. market in gel form, with help from U.S. Regulatory Strategy Advisor, Dr. Douglas Kalman.

As Sigrid Therapeutics readied to launch its over-the-counter Glucose Stabiliser, it raised $4 million in a funding round oversubscribed by 50%, as announced last week.

The funding, raised from undisclosed international investors, will help commercialize Sigrid’s various products in diverse markets, including medical devices, dietary supplements, veterinary, and oral health. (That's right! Sigrid is also advancing its SiPore toothpaste.)

Sigrid’s flagship technology, called SiPore21®, targets at-risk prediabetics and newly-diagnosed Type 2 diabetes patients, as well as those aiming to reduce weight. Initial clinical studies have shown that SiPore21 lowers long-term blood sugar without serious side effects.

In early October, Sigrid kicked off its SHINE clinical trials – a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical investigation. The study will take place at 20 sites in three countries, with recruitment to complete in the first half of 2024. Successful results in the trial will mean registering SiPore21® as a medical device.

"This funding will propel our efforts in establishing key partnerships and driving SiPore® technology to market. We are thrilled to have the backing of our investors as we move closer to providing effective solutions for obesity and diabetes management," CEO Sana Alajmovic, said in a statement announcing the latest fundraising.

Sigrid was founded in Sweden in 2014 by life sciences entrepreneur Alajmovic and Stockholm University professor Tore Bengtsson, an expert in physiology and pharmacology with over 20 years of research and development within obesity and diabetes. They were joined by CTO & COO Eric Johnson, who specializes in synthetic mesoporous silica production and polymers research, and others, in aim to develop a natural, innovative, and clinically proven solution for lowering blood sugar levels and bad cholesterol.

Separately, Sigrid also promotes healthy living and physical exercise, and urges practicing early prevention, rather than cure, of health conditions.

Images used in part from: Sigrid Therapeutics, Rawpixel