Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (Nasdaq: LEXX) announced that its Animal Study #1 (GLP-1-A26-1) has commenced dosing on schedule, with results expected by early September. The study is investigating formulation enhancements using DehydraTECH-semaglutide (DHT-sema) and DehydraTECH-CBD (DHT-CBD) compositions to explore improved performance and establish new intellectual property claims.
A key objective of the study is to evaluate innovative alternatives to salcaprozate sodium (SNAC), the absorption enhancer used in Novo Nordisk's oral Rybelsus and Wegovy tablet products. If Lexaria can demonstrate similar or superior performance with its novel formulations, the company could secure valuable proprietary IP and provide an alternative within the competitive GLP-1 drug sector. Lexaria has already filed three new patent applications anticipating these technological improvements.
The study utilizes Sprague-Dawley rats across 11 separate arms, testing various compositions. Blood samples are collected at multiple timepoints over an 8-24 hour post-dosing period to quantify pharmacokinetic performance. Additionally, the study will measure drug concentrations in the brain, as DehydraTECH has previously shown apparent superior absorption of active ingredients into brain tissue. This is particularly relevant given that GLP-1 drug performance is increasingly understood to involve brain neurochemistry.
The study includes one reference arm using an existing DHT-sema composition and another using an existing DHT-CBD composition. Lexaria will leverage historical data and these reference arms as baseline comparators to identify areas of improvement. The study is fully funded from existing corporate resources.
Separately, on June 11, 2026, Lexaria received its first Australian patent grant (#2023302884) in its Family #21, covering pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating hypertension. This patent represents the seventh in this family, with three previously granted in the US, one in Europe, and two in Japan. The patent term extends until April 25, 2043.
Lexaria's DehydraTECH platform is a patented drug delivery formulation and processing technology designed to improve oral drug delivery. It has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to increase bio-absorption, reduce side-effects, and deliver drugs more effectively across the blood-brain barrier. The company operates a licensed in-house research laboratory and holds a robust intellectual property portfolio with 66 patents granted worldwide.
The outcomes of this study could have significant implications for the GLP-1 drug market, which includes treatments for diabetes and obesity. If successful, Lexaria's formulations may offer enhanced performance and reduced side effects, potentially impacting patient outcomes and industry competition. The new patent further strengthens Lexaria's IP position in hypertension treatment.
