The Biomed company Epitomee’s share value spiked this month (188%) after its new weight loss pill was approved by the FDA. The pill, which inherited its company’s name will join the fierce competition between weight loss pills in the market.

In complete contrast to Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro, Epitomee’s capsule does not contain any active substance. It is a sophisticated pill that, after being swallowed and arriving at its intended destination, expands and changes its shape into a rigid triangle, in response to the acidic environment. In doing so, it mimics the presence of solid food, which causes the stomach to feel full and activate the brain’s sections of feeling satisfaction after eating. The pill lasts a few hours in the stomach and later moves to the intestines to break down within a few minutes.

Epitomee is far from the only company trying to challenge the weight loss drug market, which currently relies mainly on injections rather than orally ingested drugs. After all, it is no secret that the majority of people who need medical treatment would prefer to take pills or capsules over injections, mainly because it is more natural and comfortable. This fact is backed by studies and doctors who prefer to prescribe a pill over an injection.

Another advantage that may tip the scales in favor of taking a pill over an injection is related to the patient’s ability to control the side effects. Certain patients, who develop intolerable or dangerous side effects as a result of a drug can benefit from an immediate cessation of these effects as soon as they suspend the daily oral treatment. However, patients who take weekly injections are unable to cease the effects of the drug so quickly.

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Epitomee Medical Co-founder and Chairman of the Board Shimon Eckhouse is a Technion alumnus.