Oramed Pharmaceuticals Inc., a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on the development of oral drug delivery systems, announced that based on positive preclinical data, the Company is developing a new drug candidate, a weight loss treatment in the form of an oral leptin capsule. Leptin, also known as the “obesity hormone” is a protein that regulates hunger. According to Grand View Research, the overall obesity market is expected to reach $15.6 billion in 2024.

Israel’s Ministry of Health has approved Oramed’s commencement of a proof of concept single dose study for its oral leptin drug candidate to evaluate its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics (glucagon reduction) in ten type 1 diabetic patients.

“Obesity rates are increasing worldwide and contributing to many other health conditions including diabetes. Leptin’s role in obesity is well defined and we believe an oral leptin capsule would have a role in helping to control and reduce obesity. An oral leptin capsule is an appropriate fit in our portfolio of drug candidates. Obesity and diabetes are highly correlated and insulin resistance has been found to generate leptin resistance,” stated Oramed CEO, Nadav Kidron. “We look forward to initiating oral leptin studies in humans later this year.”