Gelesis' weight loss aid gains U.S. approval

Gelesis said Sunday it received FDA clearance for Plenity (Gelesis100), making the prescription weight loss product available to patients who are ineligible for gastric bypass surgery.

Plenity is indicated for use as an aid in weight management in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 25-40 kg/m², when used in conjunction with diet and exercise. Gelesis Inc. (Boston, Mass.) said it plans a targeted launch of Plenity next half and anticipates broad availability by prescription in 2020. Plenity is an oral superabsorbent biodegradable hydrogel that expands in the stomach to create pressure on the stomach walls and increase the feeling of satiety...