News Release Details

2 November 2022

PureTech Health plc

PureTech Founded Entity Gelesis Announces Two Presentations at ObesityWeek 2022

Dr. Frank Greenway presents data from the LIGHT-UP study with Gelesis' oral hydrogel treatment GS200

Waist to Height Ratio, known to be correlated with insulin resistance & metabolic syndrome, was a predictor of weight loss response in the LIGHT-UP study based on a post-hoc analysis

As previously reported, the LIGHT-UP study met its primary endpoint with 6 out of 10 responding to the treatment, achieving an average of 11% weight loss and 5.6 inches reduction of their waist within only 25 weeks

Gelesis also presents data demonstrating that Gelesis' investigational clinical-stage oral superabsorbent hydrogel Gel-B preferentially enhances the growth of Akkermansia muciniphila in preclinical models compared to prebiotics

Akkermansia muciniphila has/have been associated with thickened mucosal lining of the gut, improved gut barrier function, and lean body mass

PureTech Health plc (Nasdaq: PRTC, LSE: PRTC) ("PureTech" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage biotherapeutics company, noted today that its Founded Entity, Gelesis Holdings Inc. (NYSE: GLS) ("Gelesis") the maker of Plenity for weight management, announced two presentations at ObesityWeek 2022 in San Diego.

Frank L. Greenway, MD, Medical Director and Professor at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University and the principal investigator of the LIGHT-UP study, will give an oral presentation on Wednesday, November 2 at 4:00pm PDT. The data support Waist to Height Ratio as a potential biomarker to help predict weight loss response with GS200 treatment in people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.

Considering the previously reported findings from the LIGHT-UP study, the significant improvement in fasting insulin and postprandial insulin response, as well as the notable reduction in waist circumference (secondary endpoints), a post hoc analysis was conducted to explore whether abdominal fat affects the level of weight loss response with the novel hydrogel treatment. Waist to Height Ratio was used for this analysis as it represents a simple metric for body shape and potential abdominal fat, known to be associated with insulin resistance & metabolic syndrome.  

Gelesis also released new data from a study that investigated how an oral superabsorbent hydrogel (Gel-B or GS200) increases Akkermansia muciniphila in comparison to two prebiotics, inulin, and psyllium. A. muciniphila is a bacteria associated with thickened mucosal lining of the gut, that encourages improved gut barrier function, and lean body mass.

Gelesis, along with collaborators at Humanitas University in Milan, Italy, also examined how Gel-B supports growth of A. muciniphila in an animal model. The group found that A. muciniphila grows in the presence of Gel-B as early as two weeks post-treatment. The study provides further support of the hypothesis that the physical structure of the oral superabsorbent hydrogels and its specific mechanical properties (e.g, level of elasticity) provides the environment to supports the growth of A. muciniphila.

The full text of the announcement from Gelesis is below:

Dr. Frank Greenway to Present Data from the LIGHT-UP Study with Gelesis' Oral Hydrogel Treatment GS200 at Obesity Week

Waist to Height Ratio, known to be correlated with insulin resistance & metabolic syndrome, was a predictor of weight loss response in the study based on a post-hoc analysis

As previously reported, the LIGHT-UP study met its primary endpoint with 6 out of 10 responding to the treatment, achieving an average of 11% weight loss and 5.6 inches reduction of their waist within only 25 weeks

BOSTON, NOVEMBER 1, 2022 - Gelesis Holdings Inc. (NYSE: GLS) ("Gelesis" or the "Company") the maker of Plenity for weight management, today announced Dr. Frank Greenway will give an oral presentation at Obesity Week in San Diego, on Wednesday, November 2 at 4:00pm PDT. 

Frank L. Greenway, MD, Medical Director and Professor at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University and the principal investigator of the LIGHT-UP study, will present data supporting Waist to Height Ratio as a potential biomarker to help predict weight loss response with GS200 treatment in people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.

Considering the previously reported findings from the LIGHT-UP study, the significant improvement in fasting insulin and postprandial insulin response, as well as the notable reduction in waist circumference (secondary endpoints), a post hoc analysis was conducted to explore whether abdominal fat affects the level of weight loss response with the novel hydrogel treatment. Waist to Height Ratio was used for this analysis as it represents a simple metric for body shape and potential abdominal fat, known to be associated with insulin resistance & metabolic syndrome.  

GS200 is an orally administered superabsorbent hydrogel taken by capsule with water 10 minutes before lunch and dinner and is designed to act mechanically in the gastrointestinal tract in order to induce weight loss in patients with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. 

"Paradoxically, the subgroup with a higher ratio, a marker of insulin resistance, achieved a better response to GS200 reporting 8.1% weight loss at 6 months," said Dr. Greenway.  "The ratio can be a simple tool to help clinicians select patients where GS200 work best for them. The causes and mechanisms to explain this preferential response continue to be investigated.  Growing evidence is emerging on the interaction between gut wall permeability, gut microbiota shifts and metabolic health, we need more studies to understand whether gut mechanisms could explain these intriguing findings with GS200."

About Gelesis

Gelesis Holdings Inc. (NYSE: GLS) ("Gelesis") is a consumer-centered biotherapeutics company and the maker of Plenity®, which is inspired by nature and FDA cleared to aid in weight management. Our first-of-their-kind non-systemic superabsorbent hydrogels are made entirely from naturally derived building blocks. They are inspired by the composition and mechanical properties of raw vegetables, taken by capsule, and act locally in the digestive system, so people feel satisfied with smaller portions. Our portfolio includes Plenity® and potential therapies in development for patients with Type 2 Diabetes, Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)/Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), and Functional Constipation. For more information, visit gelesis.com, or connect with us on Twitter @GelesisInc.

Plenity® is indicated to aid weight management in adults with excess weight or obesity, a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25-40 kg/m², when used in conjunction with diet and exercise.

Important Safety Information about Plenity

●     Patients who are pregnant or are allergic to cellulose, citric acid, sodium stearyl fumarate, gelatin, or titanium dioxide should not take Plenity.

●     To avoid impact on the absorption of medications:

o  For all medications that should be taken with food, take them after starting a meal.

o  For all medications that should be taken without food (on an empty stomach), continue taking on an empty stomach or as recommended by your physician.

●     The overall incidence of side effects with Plenity was no different than placebo. The most common side effects were diarrhea, distended abdomen, infrequent bowel movements, and flatulence.

●     Contact a doctor right away if problems occur. If you have a severe allergic reaction, severe stomach pain, or severe diarrhea, stop using Plenity until you can speak to your doctor.

Rx Only. For the safe and proper use of Plenity or more information, talk to a healthcare professional, read the Patient Instructions for Use, or call 1-844-PLENITY.

About Gelesis' LIGHT-UP Clinical Study

The multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study enrolled 254 subjects and was designed to assess the change in body weight in adults with overweight or obesity, who have prediabetes or diabetes, after 25 weeks of treatment with a new oral superabsorbent hydrogel (GS200) or placebo. The study met both of its primary endpoints: the proportion of participants who achieved at least 5% body weight loss and the change in body weight after six months of therapy.

A highly binary effect was observed with the GS200 treatment group, with a clear separation between responders and non-responders as early as after 6 weeks of treatment. Among the adults who completed the study protocol requirements (PP population), 64% of GS200-treated adults were Responders vs. 41% in the placebo group (p=0.001). In the analysis which also included data from the participants who didn't fully complete the study (ITT-MI), 55% of GS200-treated adults were Responders vs. 34% in the placebo group (p=0.0004). The average body weight loss of the Responders was 11% (approximately 23 pounds) and their waist circumference was reduced by 5.5 inches on average. Importantly, Gelesis treated individuals had 2.8 higher odds compared with placebo to become Responders (adjusted odds ratio = 2.83, P=0.0004), achieving the first primary endpoint of the study.

With respect to average total weight loss, the complete GS200 treatment group (including both Responders and Non-Responders) demonstrated superiority over placebo after 25 weeks of treatment (body weight loss of 7.1% vs. 4.6%, P=0.0029 in the PP population or 6.9% vs. 4.3%, P=0.0011 in the ITT population), thereby achieving the second primary endpoint.

GS200 demonstrated a highly favorable safety and tolerability profile as the overall incidence of adverse events (AEs) in adults treated with GSP200 was similar to the incidence of AEs in the placebo group.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements, estimates, targets and projections in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. The words "anticipate," "believe," continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "might," "plan," "possible," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "strive," "would" and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that statement is not forward looking. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Gelesis' or its management team's expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future, including those relating to Gelesis' expected operating and financial performance and market opportunities. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts, or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Gelesis assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Gelesis gives no assurance that any expectations set forth in this press release will be achieved. Various risks and uncertainties (some of which are beyond Gelesis' control) or other factors could cause actual future results, performance or events to differ materially from those described herein. Some of the factors that may impact future results and performance may include, without limitation: (i) the ability of Gelesis to raise financing, if and when needed; (ii) the ability of Gelesis to continue as a going concern; (iii) Gelesis' ability to achieve and maintain widespread market acceptance of Plenity; (iv) the impact of current and future applicable laws and regulations and Gelesis' ability to comply with such laws and regulations; (v) Gelesis' ability to produce adequate supply of Plenity, including Gelesis' ability to continue to invest in manufacturing capacity and to build additional manufacturing sites; (vi) the development of the telehealth market and regulations related to remote healthcare; (vii) global economic, political and social conditions and uncertainties in the markets that Gelesis serves, including risks and uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic or other natural or man-made disasters; (viii) Gelesis' ability to enter into strategic collaborations, to acquire businesses or products or form strategic alliances and to realize the benefits of such collaborations, acquisitions and alliances; (ix) the level of demand, and willingness of potential members to pay out-of-pocket for, Plenity; (x) the ability of Gelesis to enforce its intellectual property rights and proprietary technology ; (xi) the risk that a third-party's activities, including with respect to third parties that Gelesis has granted outlicenses to or granted limited exclusive or non-exclusive commercial rights, may overlap or interfere with the commercialization of Plenity; (xii) Gelesis' ability to successfully develop and expand its operations and manufacturing and to effectively manage such growth; (xiii) Gelesis' business partners' ability to successfully launch and commercialize Plenity in certain key markets; (xiv) risk relating to the loss of Gelesis' suppliers or distributors, or their inability to provide adequate supply of materials or distribution; (xv) the risk that Gelesis' business partners may experience significant disruptions in their operations; (xvi) Gelesis' ability to retain its senior executive officers and to attract and keep senior management and key scientific and commercial personnel; (xvii) Gelesis' ability to identify and discover additional product candidates and to obtain and maintain regulatory approval for such candidates; (xviii) risks related to potential product liability exposure for Plenity or other future product candidates; (xix) risks related to adverse publicity in the weight management industry, changes in the perception of Gelesis' brands, and the impact of negative information or inaccurate information about Gelesis on social media; (xx) Gelesis' ability to enhance its brand recognition, increase distribution of Plenity and generate product sales and reduce operating losses going forward; (xxi) the impact of risks associated with economic, financial, political, environmental and social matters and conditions on Gelesis' supply chain, its manufacturing operations and other aspects of its business; (xxii) Gelesis' ability to accurately forecast revenue and appropriately monitor its associated expenses in the future; (xxiii) Gelesis' ability to compete against other weight management and wellness industry participants or other more effective or more favorably perceived weight management methods, including pharmaceuticals, devices and surgical procedures; (xxiv) foreign currency fluctuations and inflation; (xxv) the risk that Gelesis fails to maintain adequate operational and financial resources or to raise additional capital or generate sufficient cash flows; (xxvi) Gelesis' ability to successfully protect against security breaches and other disruptions to its information technology structure; (xxvii) the ability of Gelesis to maintain its listing on the New York Stock Exchange; (xxviii) failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the business combination; and (xxix) other important factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of Gelesis' most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in other filings that Gelesis makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These filings address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements.

About PureTech Health

PureTech is a clinical-stage biotherapeutics company dedicated to discovering, developing and commercializing highly differentiated medicines for devastating diseases, including inflammatory, fibrotic and immunological conditions, intractable cancers, lymphatic and gastrointestinal diseases and neurological and neuropsychological disorders, among others. The Company has created a broad and deep pipeline through the expertise of its experienced research and development team and its extensive network of scientists, clinicians and industry leaders.

This pipeline, which is being advanced both internally and through PureTech's Founded Entities, is comprised of 27 therapeutics and therapeutic candidates, including two that have received both U.S. FDA clearance and European marketing authorization, as of the date of PureTech's most recently filed Annual Report and corresponding Form 6-K. All of the underlying programs and platforms that resulted in this pipeline of therapeutic candidates were initially identified or discovered and then advanced by the PureTech team through key validation points based on unique insights in immunology and drug development.

For more information, visit www.puretechhealth.com or connect with us on Twitter @puretechh.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this press release that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including without limitation those related to the potential therapeutic benefits of GS200 or Gel-B, and Gelesis' future prospects, development plans, and strategies. The forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause actual results, performance and achievements to differ materially from current expectations, including, but not limited to, those risks, uncertainties and other important factors described under the caption "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2021 filed with the SEC and in our other regulatory filings. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions regarding the present and future business strategies of the Company and the environment in which it will operate in the future. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as at the date of this press release. Except as required by law and regulatory requirements, we disclaim any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.