EktaH develops orally administered small molecules that act upstream of GLP-1 and other gut hormones, addressing appetite regulation at its biological origin.
Its lead programs are designed to stimulate the body’s endogenous release of satiety hormones such as GLP-1, rather than relying on exogenous hormone administration.
This approach directly addresses key limitations of current GLP-1 therapies, including side effects, weight rebound, and loss of lean mass.
Preclinical data show up to a 40% reduction in food intake in obese animal models, while early clinical studies demonstrate a favorable safety profile with no adverse events in more than 100 subjects.
These agonists contain no calories and are thought to trigger more intense pleasure that naturally consumed fatty foods.
Obesity, a major issue in the 21st century
Obesity is a multifactorial disease, but excessive lipid intake remains a key contributing factor.
In 2021, an estimated 750 to 900 million individuals worldwide were living with obesity (BMI > 30). Including overweight individuals (BMI 25–30), this number roughly doubles.
Recognized as a chronic disease by the World Health Organization since 1997, obesity represents a major and growing public health burden. In France alone, it is associated with approximately 180,000 deaths per year, exceeding mortality from cancer (~160,000 deaths annually). Globally, obesity is linked to around five deaths per minute.
Despite available treatment options, long-term weight management remains challenging, and fewer than 2% of obese individuals are currently treated with GLP-1 therapies.
*BMI = weight in kg / height (in m)²
Désactivé
Bring back pleasure to the lives of all obese or overweight individuals, allowing them to reduce their body weight and regain a diet that’s healthy, delicious and balanced, without depriving themselves of anything.
Above all else, the meeting of two experts in their respective fields
EktaH was founded in July 2021 by Professor Naim Khan, a researcher at the University of Bourgogne recognized for his work on lipid taste perception, and Xavier Boidevézi, an experienced executive in the foodtech sector. Together, they combined scientific and strategic expertise to translate academic insights into therapeutic innovation.
The Company entered clinical development in 2022 with first-in-human studies in healthy volunteers. In 2025, EktaH initiated a proof-of-concept and multiple ascending dose study in obese individuals, with results expected before the end of 2026.
Activé
A team that is constantly strengthened to support the company’s growth
Xavier BOIDEVEZI
A strategic visionary and overseer of the implementation of the operational structure required for the proper development of the business, he proposed the company’s major direction to the strategic board and had it approved.
Professor Naim KHAN
In charge of managing all Research & Development activities, Naim obtained scientific support in order to perform his mission in the best possible conditions.
Amira SAYED KHAN
PhD in cellular and molecular biology, Amira contributed to the work leading to the filing of the first patents. She provides the team with all of her knowledge.
EktaH’s team is dedicated to helping individuals with obesity regain control over their food intake and to developing therapies that reduce the medical, economic, and societal burden of the disease.
EktaH is backed by a distinguished network of strategic partners who play a vital role in driving the company’s growth and long-term development.
