Anatara Lifesciences prepares for GaRP-IBS trial results as anti-obesity research gains momentum

Anatara Lifesciences Ltd has announced that its Phase II GaRP-IBS trial is nearing completion, with the final headline analysis scheduled for March 2025. The company, which focuses on innovative solutions for gastrointestinal health, has also received ethics approval to advance its anti-obesity project, marking a significant step in its expanding research portfolio.

With recruitment for the GaRP-IBS trial paused since December 2024, the remaining participants are now undergoing a mandatory two-week follow-up. According to Anatara, the trial participant numbers align with company expectations, and final patient assessments are underway to determine next steps.

The company previously reported that 71 participants were confirmed for Stage 2 of the trial, which aims to validate the clinically meaningful results seen in Stage 1. Initial findings from Stage 1 had shown over 50% symptom reduction in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), reinforcing the potential of GaRP as a disease-modifying treatment. The final analysis will assess data from over 100 participants, including those from both placebo and treatment groups, ensuring statistically significant results.

Anti-obesity project gains regulatory clearance

In addition to its progress in IBS treatment, Anatara has received ethics approval for its anti-obesity project, allowing it to proceed with in-vivo pre-clinical studies. These trials, designed to explore the efficacy of an oral weight-loss medication, are expected to take approximately six months. The company has allocated over $250,000 to conduct these proof-of-concept studies, which will evaluate whether its novel approach can support sustainable weight management.

GaRP’s commercial potential and future outlook

The GaRP product, part of Anatara’s Gastrointestinal ReProgramming (GaRP) project, is a multi-component, multi-coated complementary medicine aimed at restoring gut lining integrity and supporting microbiome balance. Unlike many existing IBS treatments, which primarily focus on symptom relief, GaRP seeks to offer long-term gastrointestinal health benefits.

With an estimated $8 billion market opportunity in the U.S. for gastrointestinal disorder treatments, GaRP holds significant commercial potential. The next steps for Anatara will depend on the results of the final headline analysis in March 2025, after which the company will determine whether to resume recruitment for the GaRP-IBS trial.

Anatara Lifesciences continues to position itself as a leader in addressing unmet medical needs in gastrointestinal health, with both the GaRP-IBS trial and its anti-obesity research marking key developments in its pipeline.