Gelesis partners with telehealth provider Ro on launch of weight management aid Plenity

Gelesis and telehealth provider Ro formed a partnership on the commercial launch of the weight management aid Plenity, the companies announced on Tuesday. Gelesis noted that through the collaboration, Plenity will be both the first FDA-cleared weight management aid and primary care product to launch with traditional healthcare provider and telehealth services. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

David Pass, chief operating officer at Gelesis, remarked that "Ro is uniquely suited to provide telehealth services that enable more individuals to access the high-quality care they need, providing an additional path to treatment and support for the complex, chronic health conditions of overweight and obesity."

In April, Plenity gained FDA clearance for use in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 to 40 when used in conjunction with diet and exercise. Plenity, which is an oral, non-systemic and non-stimulant hydrogel, is the only prescription weight management product indicated for use by overweight adults with a BMI as low as 25.

Under the agreement, Plenity will be the only weight management treatment available through Ro's digital clinics, which provide a personalised end-to-end telehealth experience from diagnosis to the delivery of prescription and over-the-counter products. Through the platform, adults will have online access to physicians trained in weight management support, who can refer the user to their primary care provider or a specialist if needed. Adults who receive a prescription for Plenity through the telehealth platform will have access to "unlimited follow up communication with their physician at no additional cost and will be provided with educational resources and lifestyle recommendations," the companies said.

Gelesis retains worldwide sales and marketing rights for Plenity and has secured around $100 million in new capital to support the product's US launch. Gelesis expects that Plenity will be available in limited supply through healthcare providers and Ro's digital health clinics in the second half of 2020.