Scientists Investigate Hidden Ingredient in Ozempic, Wegovy Tablets

Researchers at Adelaide University have raised concerns about a hidden ingredient found in the oral formulations of the weight loss medications Wegovy and Ozempic. Their study, published on March 1, 2026, highlights the potential effects of salcaprozate sodium (SNAC), an absorption enhancer that allows the active ingredient, semaglutide, to effectively enter the bloodstream. The findings suggest that SNAC may impact gut health in ways that warrant closer examination.

This research represents the first in vivo study to systematically explore how repeated exposure to SNAC affects gut microbiota and various health markers. Conducted over a 21-day period using an animal model, the study documented several significant changes in gut bacteria and inflammation markers, raising questions about the long-term implications of daily exposure to this ingredient.

SNAC plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of oral semaglutide. When administered via injection, semaglutide enters the bloodstream directly. However, in its tablet form, it relies on SNAC to protect it from degradation by stomach enzymes, facilitating its absorption. The recent approval of a tablet version of Wegovy in the United States has led to increased interest in oral obesity treatments, as many patients prefer the convenience of pills over injections.

Obesity is a significant global health challenge, with approximately 890 million adults and 160 million children affected worldwide, representing nearly one in eight individuals. Among countries in the OECD, the United States has the highest obesity rate, with 43% of individuals aged 15 and older classified as obese. Australia ranks sixth, with 31% of the population affected, above the OECD average of 25%. The rising prescriptions for medications like Ozempic and Wegovy reflect a broader trend in addressing obesity.

Lead author Amin Ariaee, a PhD candidate at Adelaide University, emphasized the importance of understanding the effects of all ingredients 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 further underscored the necessity of investigating the long-term impacts of ingredients like SNAC as their usage expands.

While the study found no evidence that SNAC causes harm to humans, it revealed associations with shifts in gut bacteria, heightened inflammatory markers, and a depletion of proteins linked to cognitive impairment. The research suggests that the absorption enhancer may have biological effects beyond facilitating drug absorption.

Senior Research Fellow Dr. Paul Joyce urged caution in interpreting the findings, noting that they stem from animal research. “Importantly, our findings do not prove that SNAC causes harm in humans,” Dr. Joyce explained. “However, they do show that the ingredient enabling these tablets to work may have adverse biological effects beyond drug absorption. As the use of these medications continues to grow globally, it is vital to evaluate all components of these therapies, not just the active compound.”

As the medical community aims to combat obesity through effective treatments, this research highlights the need for ongoing investigation into the implications of ingredients found in popular medications. Understanding the full spectrum of effects from these components is essential in ensuring safety and efficacy for patients seeking long-term solutions to obesity.