SNAC Technology
Sodium N-[8-(2-hydroxybenzoyl)amino]caprylate — the specific absorption enhancer co-formulated with semaglutide in the oral tablet Rybelsus. SNAC creates a local environment in the stomach that protects the peptide from degradation and facilitates absorption across the gastric epithelium.
Technical Context
SNAC (sodium N-[8-(2-hydroxybenzoyl)amino]caprylate, also called salcaprozate sodium) is an N-acylated amino acid derivative developed by Emisphere Technologies. In the Rybelsus tablet, semaglutide and SNAC are co-formulated in a 1:14 ratio (14mg semaglutide with 300mg SNAC). Upon dissolution in the stomach, SNAC creates a localised buffer zone around the tablet remnant that raises local pH (protecting semaglutide from pepsin), promotes semaglutide monomerisation (preventing aggregation that would reduce absorption), and enhances transcellular absorption through the gastric epithelium via a concentration-dependent, transcellular mechanism (not tight junction opening). The fasting requirement (30 minutes before food/other medications) ensures the tablet dissolves in an empty stomach with direct mucosal contact.