Addressing the overweight majority
While GLP-1s have demonstrated effectiveness in treating obesity (BMI 30+), they are largely unsuitable for the vast population in the overweight category. With around 1.6 billion people globally falling into this bracket—many of whom struggle to access, afford, or tolerate GLP-1s—Sirona is being positioned as an alternative. Unlike GLP-1 drugs, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, and may even have links to vision loss, Sirona offers a drug-free approach to sustainable weight management.
“Our promising early clinical data showcase Sirona’s potential as a safe and effective weight-loss treatment. It offers a unique, tailored solution—particularly for those in the overweight category—without the risks and costs associated with GLP-1s.” Explains Dr. Camilla Easter, CEO of Oxford Medical Products.
A safe, effective ‘Off-Ramp’ for GLP-1 users
For those who have turned to GLP-1 drugs but fear the inevitable weight regain upon stopping treatment, Sirona may provide a crucial safety net. Studies suggest that up to 65% of weight lost on GLP-1s returns within a year, often leading to worsened metabolic health and increased risks of fractures or osteoporosis due to muscle loss.
Sirona aims to mitigate this issue by providing a non-systemic, long-term solution to weight maintenance. According to Dr. Asif Humayun, an NHS endocrinologist:“Medical management is vital for overweight individuals who struggle with sustainable weight loss. Sirona’s hydrogel system offers a non-invasive and potentially lifelong solution, addressing the limitations of traditional weight-loss methods.”
Trial success and patient impact
Sirona, a dual-polymer hydrogel pill, expands in the stomach upon ingestion, reducing food intake and caloric consumption. Conducted across three NHS hospitals in the UK, the recent trial results have been encouraging:
- Participants lost up to 10% of their body weight in 12 weeks.
- Those with class 1 obesity (BMI 30-35) saw an average weight loss of 4.6% without structured diet and exercise plans.
- Sirona users consumed 400 fewer calories per day than those on a placebo.
- Adherence was high, with 95% of participants following the dosing regimen.
For Ruth, a trial participant, the impact was profound: “Sirona flipped a switch for me. It gave me control without introducing any chemical-altering substances. It’s a game-changer for weight management.”
A future beyond GLP-1s
With obesity now affecting over 2.5 billion people worldwide, a one-size-fits-all approach is insufficient. OMP sees Sirona as complementary to existing weight-loss drugs rather than a replacement, offering a viable option both before and after GLP-1 treatment.
With plans to launch a larger pivotal trial in the UK and US later this year, OMP is moving forward with a clear mission: to provide millions with a sustainable path to a healthier weight—without the risks, costs, or limitations of pharmaceutical interventions.
