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Intragastric denatonium benzoate
Denatonium benzoate is a bitter-tasting compound administered intragastrically that triggers aversive taste responses to discourage accidental ingestion or promote satiety.
Denatonium benzoate is a bitter-tasting compound administered intragastrically that triggers aversive taste responses to discourage accidental ingestion or promote satiety. Used for Appetite suppression / weight management (investigational), Safety additive in pharmaceutical formulations to prevent accidental ingestion.
At a glance
| Generic name | Intragastric denatonium benzoate |
|---|---|
| Also known as | IG DB |
| Sponsor | Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven |
| Drug class | Bitter taste receptor agonist / Aversive agent |
| Target | Bitter taste receptors (T2R family) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Gastroenterology / Obesity / Safety |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Denatonium benzoate is one of the most bitter substances known and activates bitter taste receptors (T2Rs) on the tongue and in the gastrointestinal tract. When administered intragastrically, it elicits a strong aversive gustatory response that can be used as a safety measure in pharmaceutical formulations or as a potential appetite-suppressing agent. The mechanism relies on the natural human rejection response to intensely bitter stimuli.
Approved indications
- Appetite suppression / weight management (investigational)
- Safety additive in pharmaceutical formulations to prevent accidental ingestion
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
- Taste aversion
Key clinical trials
- IG vs ID Bitter Administration (PHASE4)
- Bitter Tastants and Reflux (NA)
- The Effect of Bitter Taste Receptor Agonists on The Gastrointestinal Tract, Hunger and Food Intake (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
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