Researchers at Adelaide University have raised new concerns regarding the hidden ingredient in the oral formulations of the weight loss drugs Wegovy and Ozempic. Their study, published on March 1, 2026, indicates that salcaprozate sodium (SNAC), a compound that facilitates the absorption of the active ingredient semaglutide, may have implications for gut health that extend beyond its intended use.
This investigation is the first of its kind to examine the long-term effects of SNAC through an animal model over a 21-day period. The results revealed notable alterations in gut bacteria, markers of inflammation, and a protein associated with cognitive function. While the findings do not confirm harm in humans, they highlight the need for a deeper understanding of the potential biological effects of daily exposure to SNAC.
Understanding SNAC’s Role in Weight Loss Medications
Semaglutide is the key ingredient in medications like Wegovy and Ozempic, which are widely prescribed for weight management. In injectable form, semaglutide directly enters the bloodstream, but the tablet versions rely on SNAC to protect it from stomach enzymes, allowing it to be absorbed effectively. The recent approval of an oral form of Wegovy in the United States has increased the likelihood of daily SNAC consumption, as many patients prefer pills for their convenience.
The global prevalence of obesity underscores the importance of understanding these medications. Currently, around 890 million adults and 160 million children worldwide are living with obesity, a condition affecting approximately one in eight individuals. In the United States, the obesity rate is the highest among OECD countries, with 43% of those aged 15 and older affected. Australia follows with a 31% rate, above the OECD average of 25%. As prescriptions for drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy surge in Australia, the implications of their ingredients become increasingly critical.
Call for Further Research on Long-Term Effects
Lead author Amin Ariaee, a PhD candidate at Adelaide University, emphasized the urgency of understanding the effects of all components in these medications. “Obesity is a complex, chronic disease with serious health consequences. These medicines are highly effective and are helping many people,” Ariaee stated. He noted that as oral versions of these medications become more prevalent, it is essential to investigate what prolonged exposure to all ingredients may mean for health.
The study indicates that while SNAC enhances the effectiveness of semaglutide, it may also be linked to alterations in gut bacteria, increased inflammatory markers, and reductions in proteins associated with cognitive impairment. Such findings highlight the necessity for further investigation into the long-term impacts of SNAC.
Senior Research Fellow Dr. Paul Joyce urged caution in interpreting the results, underscoring that animal research does not directly translate to human health. “Our findings do not prove that SNAC causes harm in humans,” Dr. Joyce commented. “However, they do indicate that the ingredient enabling these tablets to work may have adverse biological effects beyond drug absorption.”
As the use of these medications continues to expand globally, understanding the complete profile of all components will be crucial for ensuring patient safety and health outcomes. The findings from this study call for a more comprehensive assessment as healthcare providers and patients navigate the landscape of obesity treatments.
