Epicyt Pharma Reports Positive Results for BAFA in Post-Gastric Bypass Study

GOTHENBURG, Sweden, Sept. 8, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Epicyt Pharma AB, a biopharmaceutical company based in Gothenburg, Sweden, has announced promising results from its Phase 1/2a study of BAFA, a new drug candidate designed to improve intestinal calcium absorption in patients who have undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery. The findings, which demonstrate a significant reduction in urinary calcium excretion and improvements in key biomarkers of calcium homeostasis, could pave the way for the drug's advancement into Phase 2b development.

The study, completed in March 2026, focused on the immediate calcium balance effects of BAFA. Dr. Ville Wallenius, MD, PhD, an Adjunct Professor of Surgery at the University of Gothenburg and the Principal Investigator of the study, commented, "BAFA produced coherent biological effects on markers of calcium homeostasis. Our approach is fundamentally different from the current treatment, which relies on calcium and vitamin D supplementation. BAFA aims to improve the body's ability to maintain calcium balance."

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is an effective treatment for severe obesity but often leads to impaired calcium uptake, contributing to secondary hyperparathyroidism, decreased bone density, and increased fracture risk. Despite routine supplementation with calcium and vitamin D, many patients continue to experience these issues. The unmet need for therapies that improve calcium homeostasis after bariatric surgery remains significant.

Dr. Wallenius continued, "Current post-bypass treatment focuses on supplementation, but BAFA offers a novel way to address the root cause of calcium absorption issues. This study shows that BAFA can effectively reduce urinary calcium excretion, a key indicator of improved intestinal calcium uptake. These results are encouraging and suggest that BAFA could be a breakthrough treatment for patients with impaired calcium homeostasis following gastric surgery."

Epicyt Pharma AB holds worldwide rights to BAFA and is advancing its lead drug candidate in patients who have undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. The company's Chief Executive Officer, Anders Rabbe, expressed optimism about the future of the drug. "The positive results from this initial study are very encouraging. We are now preparing to move BAFA into Phase 2b development, where we will further evaluate its safety and efficacy in a larger patient population."

Approximately 3.5 million people in the EU and US live with impaired calcium homeostasis following gastric surgery to treat obesity, with about 250,000 new patients added annually. Addressing this unmet medical need is crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing the burden on healthcare systems.

The findings from this study represent a significant step forward in the treatment of post-gastric bypass complications, offering hope to a large number of patients who currently struggle with calcium absorption issues. As BAFA moves into Phase 2b development, the company's next steps will be closely watched by the medical community and investors alike.