Weight loss candidate acts mechanically to provide feeling of satiety

A research note from analysts Jefferies Group states that PureTech has a current net present value (NPV) of $100 million, based on an evaluation of its weight loss candidate.

PureTech is a client of Jefferies, which provides investment banking services to the Boston, USA-based firm.

Gelesis100 acts mechanically in the gastrointestinal tract. The hydrogel particles absorb water and swell, providing the feeling of satiety without any systemic absorption into the bloodstream.

Jefferies describes top-line data for the Gelesis weight loss product as: “Encouraging,” noting that: “While only one of two co-primary endpoints are met there are clear signs of clinically meaningful efficacy and a clean safety profile.”

The research points out that regulatory talks are planned and assigns an “80% probability” to regulatory filings for this product by the end of 2019.

PureTech hopes that the approach it is pursuing will be safer and preferred by patients over a pharmacological therapy.