Core Insights - Lexaria Bioscience Corp. is pursuing the development of the world's first orally-dosed liraglutide using its DehydraTECH technology, which enhances drug delivery [1][2] - The company has filed patent applications for this new formulation, aiming to capitalize on the recent off-patent status of liraglutide [2] - Positive results from animal studies indicate that DehydraTECH-liraglutide outperformed existing oral treatments in controlling blood sugar and body weight [3] - Lexaria is also preparing for human clinical trials to further validate the efficacy and safety of its oral liraglutide formulation [5][6] Company Strategy - Lexaria's strategy includes simultaneous research on leading GLP-1/GIP drugs, with a market potential estimated at $30 billion in 2024, a significant increase from $300 million in 2018 [4] - The company aims to expedite its entry into the GLP-1 market by initiating pilot clinical testing of DehydraTECH-liraglutide [5] - If successful, the company plans to pursue regulatory approval from the FDA for its orally-dosed liraglutide, potentially in collaboration with Novo Nordisk, the original developer of liraglutide [6] Market Context - Currently, liraglutide is only available in injectable forms, generating substantial revenue for Novo Nordisk, with $849 million from Saxenda and $1.6 billion from Victoza in the first half of 2024 [7] - The introduction of an oral version could disrupt the market and provide a competitive edge for Lexaria, especially given the lack of existing oral formulations [2][7] - Liraglutide has shown additional benefits beyond diabetes management, including cognitive decline reduction, which may enhance its market appeal [8] Technology Overview - DehydraTECH is a patented drug delivery technology that improves the absorption of active pharmaceutical ingredients through oral administration [9] - The technology has demonstrated the ability to enhance bio-absorption and effectively deliver drugs across the blood-brain barrier [9] - Lexaria holds a robust intellectual property portfolio with 48 patents granted and additional patents pending, positioning it well for future innovations [9]
Lexaria's Strategic Business Pursuit of DehydraTECH-Liraglutide