Scientists in Singapore have developed a new oral compound designed to help people manage their weight by reducing how much dietary fat the body absorbs.
Unlike many current weight-loss drugs that work by suppressing appetite or changing how the body handles blood sugar, this new approach focuses directly on the gut.
The compound was created by researchers at Nanyang Technological University (NTU Singapore) and is being further developed in partnership with biotechnology company Aria Bioscience.
The goal is to eventually bring it to market as a medical-grade oral supplement, with the possibility of future therapeutic use for metabolic diseases.
Obesity is a growing global health problem, affecting more than one billion people worldwide. It increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and fatty liver disease.
Fatty liver disease alone affects about one in three adults globally and is strongly linked to obesity. In severe cases, it can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer and even death. In Singapore, experts estimate that up to 40% of adults could develop fatty liver disease by 2030.
The NTU researchers designed the compound to act locally in the gut rather than throughout the entire body.
In animal studies published in Pharmacological Research, mice given the compound while eating a high-fat diet gained less weight and accumulated less fat in their livers compared to untreated mice. Importantly, the compound did not interfere with sugar absorption and did not show toxic side effects in laboratory testing.
The compound works in two main ways. First, it blocks a receptor on cells lining the intestine that helps fat enter the body, which reduces how much fat is absorbed and transported to the liver.
Second, it promotes beneficial gut bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids. These substances are linked to better metabolic health, reduced inflammation and stronger gut function.
Because the compound stays mostly in the gut and does not significantly enter the bloodstream, researchers expect it to have fewer effects on other organs. This gut-focused strategy aims to gently slow fat absorption rather than completely block fat digestion, which can cause unpleasant side effects like oily stools with some existing fat-blocking products.
The design of the compound was inspired by naturally occurring molecules called FAHFAs, which are found in small amounts in the human body and certain foods. Although these natural compounds have helpful metabolic effects, they break down easily in the digestive system. The NTU team modified them to make them stable in the gut while preserving their beneficial properties.
Researchers emphasize that diet control and exercise remain the foundation of good metabolic health. The new compound is intended to support healthier fat handling, especially during periods of high-fat intake or for individuals who struggle with regular exercise.
Human safety and effectiveness studies are planned next. If successful, this nature-inspired, gut-based approach could offer a safer long-term option to help manage weight and reduce fat-related stress on the liver.
