KELOWNA, BC – Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (NASDAQ:), a leader in drug delivery platforms, has announced positive outcomes from a joint research program with the National Research Council of Canada. The study focused on the DehydraTECH technology’s effectiveness in processing the GLP-1 drug, semaglutide, which is used in diabetes management.
The research assessed the molecular behavior of DehydraTECH-treated semaglutide against Rybelsus®, the commercially available version of the drug. Simulated gastric fluid was used to replicate the conditions within the human digestive system. Various analytical methods, including polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and size exclusion chromatography, indicated that semaglutide maintained its monomeric form when released into this environment, a crucial factor for efficient drug absorption.
This finding is significant as it aligns with the behavior of Rybelsus®, which is known to remain in monomeric form within the gut thanks to its proprietary ingredient, SNAC. Novo Nordisk (NYSE:)®, the maker of Rybelsus®, acquired the SNAC technology for approximately $1.8 billion in 2020. The ability of Lexaria’s DehydraTECH to mimic this property without SNAC could be a noteworthy development in oral drug delivery.
Additional tests, including dynamic light scattering and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, supported the initial findings, although with less definitive results. Lexaria is considering further research to expand on these findings, potentially exploring more varied conditions that better mimic the human gut.
DehydraTECH is Lexaria’s patented formulation and processing platform designed to enhance how active pharmaceutical ingredients enter the bloodstream when administered orally. Since its inception in 2016, the technology has shown promise in increasing bio-absorption and potentially improving drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier. Lexaria has a substantial intellectual property portfolio, with numerous patents granted and pending globally.
The company’s research initiatives are ongoing, and while the press release contains forward-looking statements regarding future applications and benefits of DehydraTECH, these are not guaranteed and are subject to regulatory approvals and further scientific validation. The information in this article is based on a press release statement from Lexaria Bioscience Corp.
In other recent news, Lexaria Bioscience has been making noteworthy strides in its ongoing diabetes treatment study, with promising interim results showcasing the potential of its DehydraTECH technology. The study, which utilizes diabetic pre-conditioned Zucker rats, reported decreased weight gain and, in some cases, weight loss in the animal subjects. The firm H.C. Wainwright has maintained its Buy rating for Lexaria Bioscience, highlighting the potential of the DehydraTECH technology to significantly impact obesity and diabetes treatment.
In addition to its research, Lexaria Bioscience has also made significant strategic moves to further its growth. The company has expanded its management team, appointing Nelson Cabatuan as the consulting Chief Strategic Financial Advisor. Furthermore, Lexaria Bioscience has been focusing on expanding its research and development activities, with plans for additional research projects centered on glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) molecules.
The company has also expanded its intellectual property portfolio with the acquisition of two significant patents pertaining to the treatment of hypertension and epilepsy. These developments are part of Lexaria’s ongoing commitment to innovation and growth in the pharmaceutical sector.
InvestingPro Insights
Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (NASDAQ:LEXX) has been making strides with its DehydraTECH technology, and the recent positive outcomes from their research with the National Research Council of Canada could have implications for the company’s financial health and market performance. One of the notable InvestingPro Tips for Lexaria is that analysts expect sales growth in the current year, which could be bolstered by the promising research results. Additionally, the company holds more cash than debt on its balance sheet, providing a solid financial foundation as it continues to innovate in the drug delivery space.
InvestingPro Data paints a picture of a company with a market capitalization of $50.28 million, suggesting a modest size in the biotech sector. Despite a challenging profitability outlook, with a negative P/E ratio of -6.81 and analysts not anticipating profitability this year, Lexaria has demonstrated substantial price growth, with a 208.74% return over the past year.
Furthermore, Lexaria’s liquid assets exceed its short-term obligations, indicating a level of financial resilience. However, the company is trading at a high revenue valuation multiple, which reflects investors’ expectations for future growth, potentially driven by advancements in technologies like DehydraTECH. For those interested in deeper analysis, there are additional InvestingPro Tips available on Lexaria, which can be found at https://www.investing.com/pro/LEXX.
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