Key Highlights
- Syntis Bio raised an oversubscribed $33M Series A plus $5M in NIH grants to accelerate its SYNT™ platform
- Lead program SYNT-101 targets obesity with a once-daily oral therapy based on transient nutrient exclusion
- Adds Cerberus Ventures and W. R. Berkley executives to its board to steer growth and partnerships
Funding to Advance Novel Oral Therapies
Boston-based Syntis Bio announced the close of its $38 million financing package, combining an oversubscribed $33 million Series A round led by Cerberus Ventures with $5 million in NIH grant funding. The fresh capital will propel the company’s SYNT™ (SYNthetic Tissue-lining) platform, designed to transform treatment for obesity, diabetes, and rare genetic disorders.
Disruptive SYNT Platform Explained
SYNT enables a transient, mussel-inspired polydopamine polymer coating inside the small intestine, modulating nutrient absorption, enhancing gut-restricted enzyme efficacy, and increasing systemic drug bioavailability for up to 24 hours. This non-permanent barrier mimics benefits of gastric bypass surgery without invasive procedures. Preclinical data in animals showed preserved lean muscle and consistent 1% weekly weight loss, while first-in-human trials demonstrated nutrient redirection and satiety hormone modulation.
Pipeline and Board Expansion
Beyond SYNT-101 for obesity, Syntis is advancing SYNT-202 for homocystinuria, a rare pediatric disorder. The company also announced Chenny Zhang of Cerberus Ventures and Michael Nannizzi of W. R. Berkley will join its board of directors, signaling a push toward strategic partnerships and scaling.
A New Era for Oral Biologics?
Syntis Bio believes its platform can democratize access to biologic therapies by simplifying oral delivery, reducing cost, and expanding reach. As obesity and rare metabolic conditions strain global health systems, the ability to harness the small intestine’s role in metabolic control may reshape treatment paradigms and improve patient outcomes.
About Syntis Bio
Syntis Bio is a clinical-stage biopharma company developing oral therapies that leverage the small intestine’s biology to address diseases ranging from obesity to rare genetic disorders. Its SYNT™ platform aims to transform how biologics and gut-targeted therapies are delivered safely, effectively, and sustainably.