FAQs about Sirona
1) How often do you take the Sirona pill?
You take 1-3 pills once a day, first thing in the morning. Whether you take 1, 2, or 3 pills each morning will be dependent on your individual needs.
2) Can it expand in my throat?
No, Sirona cannot expand in the throat. The pill requires to sit in a substantial volume of water to fully swell, which is only available once the capsule reaches the stomach. As a result, expansion occurs in the stomach, where it is surrounded by fluids, rather than in the oesophagus during swallowing.
3) How long does it stay in the stomach?
Our data shows it stays in the stomach for 2-5 days, providing prolonged appetite suppression throughout this time, before it breaks into smaller pieces and is excreted naturally, just like food.
4) Can you feel it in your stomach?
None of our participants reported being able to actually feel the swollen pills in the stomach. You wouldn’t expect to feel a piece of tofu in your stomach, so you are unlikely to feel Sirona.
5) How does it leave your stomach?
The stomach is a muscle which contracts to break down food. After 2-5 days, these natural forces cause the swollen pill to break into smaller pieces. These smaller pieces of soft hydrogel can then fit through the small gap at the bottom of the stomach and are excreted, just like food. It is important to note that the pill does not dissolve and none of its contents enter your blood stream, hence why it has a favourable safety profile.
6) Will it cause obstruction?
An obstruction is highly unlikely. Across our clinical studies to date, we have dosed over 9500 Sirona pills and they have consistently passed through the gastrointestinal tract without causing any blockages.
The material is designed to be both soft and flexible while maintaining its intended function in the stomach. After remaining in the stomach for several days, it gradually breaks down into smaller, softer pieces that are able to pass naturally through the digestive system and be excreted, just like food. This controlled breakdown is a key part of the product's design and safety profile.
7) Does Sirona help with food noise?
We have early clinical data suggesting that Sirona may help reduce certain aspects of what people describe as "food noise".
In our studies, participants reported changes in their eating behaviours and food preferences while using Sirona. For example, some individuals described a reduced desire for calorie-dense foods such as chocolate or desserts, and an increased preference for lighter, lower-calorie options. These observations suggest that Sirona may help reduce what we refer to as "calorie-seeking" behaviour.
While further research is needed to better understand this effect and the mechanisms behind it, the findings are encouraging and indicate that Sirona's impact may extend beyond simply increasing fullness to influencing how people think about and respond to food.
8) What will happen if I’m sick/vomit?
Based on our experience to date, individuals who experienced vomiting, for example, due to a stomach bug, were able to vomit normally, including the Sirona material if it was still present in the stomach.
If you develop a sickness bug or are experiencing significant nausea and vomiting, we recommend temporarily stopping Sirona until your symptoms have resolved and you feel well enough to resume treatment. You can then restart Sirona according to the recommended instructions. As with any treatment, if vomiting is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, you should seek medical advice.
9) How will it impact the microbiome
Our clinical data to date suggests that Sirona is unlikely to impact the microbiome. Participants saw no change in their micronutrient levels. We hope to test the microbiome in future studies.
10) How is Sirona different from cotton wool, psyllium husks, glucomannan, chia seeds, and gastric balloons?
Sirona is a hydrogel-based medical device that is going through rigorous clinical testing and regulatory approval to ensure it can be prescribed safely. When swallowed with water, each pill swells to roughly the size of a large marshmallow inside the stomach. The hydrogel is gentle on the stomach lining but firm enough to stay in place for as long as needed, before the stomach’s natural forces cause it to break into smaller pieces, at which point it is excreted, just like food. Taking Sirona daily means there is always enough present in the stomach to provide consistent appetite suppression around the clock which is critical to effective weight loss. Once prescribed Sirona will be taken once daily at home.
Compared to psyllium husks, chia seeds, and glucomannan:
These are fibre-based dietary supplements that can form a loose gel with water in the stomach. However, they lack the structural integrity to remain in the stomach so are pass through and are excreted in as little as 15–60 minutes, which means they cannot provide sustained appetite suppression throughout the day. Unlike Sirona, supplements are also not required to undergo the rigorous regulatory review that medical devices must pass before they can be prescribed.
Compared to gastric balloons:
Like Sirona, gastric balloons are medical devices a balloon is swallowed, inflated in the stomach, and left in place for around four months. However, this requires a visit to the hospital/doctors and a medical professional to conduct the procedure. Sirona offers several advantages over this approach: it’s non-invasive, can be taken at home and the daily dose can be adjusted based on how you're feeling, it has a superior side effect profile, and it will cost a fraction of the price once it is approved and comes to market.
11) What would happen if people take too many?
If a person takes too many, they would be likely to feel very full, and it is possible they may expel the hydrogels by vomiting.
12) Why don’t people eat less and move more to lose weight?
‘Eat less move more’ doesn't work for everyone. Evidence from clinical trials and changes to Government policies for the last two decades has shown that for those living with overweight and obesity, ‘eat less, move more’ alone is not enough. Obesity is now considered to be a long-term disease, and therefore needs treating as others long-term diseases, such as type two diabetes or high blood pressure, are: with different treatment options (medications and medical devices) and with compassion, free from stigma.
13) When is the anticipated launch data for Sirona?
Sirona is not yet available to buy or be prescribed, but we are working hard to make this happen. Keep an eye on our website for updates.
14) How much is Sirona expected to sell for?
The price is currently not set.
15) For how long will the average person need to use Sirona?
As obesity is a long-term disease, we anticipate people may also be on Sirona long-term. We are planning more trials to test this.
Disclaimer: Sirona is pending regulatory approval and not currently available for purchase or use outside of clinical trials.