Positive Outcomes for Epicyt Pharma in Groundbreaking BAFA Study after Gastric Bypass Surgery

Epicyt Pharma Reports Success in First Human Trial of BAFA

In a notable advancement in gastrointestinal health, Epicyt Pharma AB, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical firm based in Gothenburg, Sweden, has made waves with encouraging findings from its first-in-human study of BAFA. This groundbreaking medication is aimed at improving calcium absorption in patients who have undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery. The Phase 1/2a study showcased significant outcomes, indicating a reduction in urinary calcium excretion and enhancements in crucial biomarkers associated with calcium regulation.

Dr. Ville Wallenius, MD, PhD, an Adjunct Professor of Surgery at the University of Gothenburg and the Principal Investigator of the study, shared that BAFA's immediate impact on calcium balance effectively showcased the drug’s biological influence. He pointed out that traditional treatments after gastric bypass usually hinge on calcium and vitamin D supplementation. However, BAFA presents a revolutionary alternative by amplifying the body's inherent ability to regulate calcium levels.

The Phase 1/2a trial, which concluded in March 2026, provided critical evidence supporting BAFA’s efficacy. It revealed a statistically significant lowering of calcium excretion through urine while positively affecting key calcium homeostasis biomarkers. This is particularly relevant for patients post-RYGB surgery since these interventions often exacerbate issues with calcium uptake, leading to secondary hyperparathyroidism, lower bone density, and a heightened risk of fractures.

Currently, approximately 3.5 million individuals across the EU and the US grapple with calcium homeostasis problems after gastric procedures aimed at tackling obesity. Notably, about 250,000 new patients face this issue every year. The dire need for effective treatments to support these patients is underscored by the limitations of current dietary approaches.

BAFA is distinguished as a first-in-class oral therapy that combines a bile acid with a short-chain fatty acid, specifically designed to boost intestinal calcium absorption. The study’s favorable results have set the stage for Epicyt Pharma as it gears up to push BAFA into Phase 2b trials, emphasizing their commitment to addressing the unmet therapeutic needs of post-bariatric surgery patients.

This innovative development embodies a crucial step towards changing the landscape of how patients who have undergone gastric bypass receive care and manage their calcium levels, promising a brighter future for those affected by obesity and associated metabolic bone diseases.

As the field looks ahead, the significance of BAFA could be pivotal not just for RYGB patients but also for broader applications in metabolic disorders where calcium absorption is an issue. Epicyt Pharma's journey with BAFA exemplifies the potential of targeted therapeutics in transforming patient outcomes in nutrient malabsorption cases.

For more details, reach out to Anders Rabbe, the CEO of Epicyt Pharma AB via email at [email protected] or visit their website at www.epicyt.com.

About Epicyt Pharma

Epicyt Pharma is a clinical-stage company located in Gothenburg, dedicated to developing pioneering treatments aimed at improving intestinal calcium uptake – a significant yet often overlooked aspect contributing to metabolic bone disease. The company has exclusive rights to BAFA and is actively working to bring this promising candidate therapy to market for patients following RYGB surgery.