Jaguar Health Files Patent for Crofelemer to Address GI Side Effects

Jaguar Health, Inc. has announced a patent application for its FDA-approved drug crofelemer. This move seeks to address gastrointestinal (GI) side effects from GLP-1 receptor agonists, widely used in weight loss therapies. GI disorders are common with these drugs, affecting 40-70% of patients. In some trials, the rate was as high as 85%.

Crofelemer, branded as Mytesi®, is approved for HIV-related diarrhea. It shows promise in treating GI symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation. The drug's potential extends to cancer therapy-related diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome.

Jaguar Health's Napo Pharmaceuticals leads this initiative. They emphasize the global market's growth, with GLP-1 therapies projected to reach $322 billion by 2034. Crofelemer's role could be significant in helping patients continue their treatments comfortably.