**Summary**
PureTech Health plc (NasdaqPRTC, LSE: PRTC) announced the launch of **Celea Therapeutics**, a new Founded Entity dedicated to transforming the treatment of respiratory diseases. Celea’s lead program, **deupirfenidone (LYT-100)**, is a Phase 3-ready therapeutic candidate initially targeting **idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)**, a rare and fatal lung disease. Former Teva North America CEO **Sven Dethlefs, PhD**, has been appointed to lead Celea, leveraging his extensive experience in respiratory medicine and commercialization.
Deupirfenidone, a deuterated form of pirfenidone, showed promising results in a Phase 2b trial, potentially offering better efficacy and tolerability compared to existing IPF treatments. PureTech plans to seek third-party funding to advance the program through Phase 3 and potential commercialization. The launch of Celea aligns with PureTech’s strategy of advancing differentiated programs through focused, capital-efficient structures.
IPF is characterized by irreversible lung scarring with a median survival of 2-5 years, and current treatments have limited efficacy and adherence. Deupirfenidone aims to address these limitations, with a market opportunity exceeding $5 billion globally. PureTech expects to meet with the FDA by Q3 2025 to discuss Phase 3 trial design.
Celea Therapeutics is part of PureTech’s innovative R&D model, which creates Founded Entities to advance promising medicines efficiently. PureTech has a robust portfolio of 29 therapeutic candidates, including three FDA-approved treatments, and remains committed to addressing devastating diseases.
**Key Highlights**
Celea Therapeutics launched to advance deupirfenidone for IPF and other fibrotic lung diseases.
Sven Dethlefs, PhD, appointed CEO, bringing expertise in respiratory medicine and commercialization.
Deupirfenidone shows potential for best-in-class efficacy and tolerability in Phase 2b trial.
PureTech seeks third-party funding for Phase 3 development and commercialization.
IPF market opportunity exceeds $5 billion, with deupirfenidone addressing unmet needs.