Oral Superabsorbent Hydrogel (Plenity) for Weight Management

To describe the mechanism, clinical trial data, adverse effects, and potential role in therapy of an oral superabsorbent hydrogel (OSH) for weight management.

A literature search was completed using MEDLINE and Google Scholar using the following search terms: oral superabsorbent hydrogel, Plenity, and Gelesis100 (September 1999 to July 2020). Abstracts and posters were identified from relevant scientific congress archives and published supplements.

All available studies were considered. Only human studies were used for drug interaction, efficacy, and safety data.

OSH is a first-in-class, nonsystemic agent for weight management. It is indicated for use in patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 to 40 kg/m² regardless of comorbidity status. OSH functions primarily through space occupancy in the stomach and small intestine. Studies have demonstrated that OSH has modest weight loss efficacy and a favorable safety profile, with no significant difference in overall adverse events compared with placebo.

OSH is one of the only prescription antiobesity therapeutics (AOTs) that can be utilized in overweight patients with BMI equal to 25 to 30 kg/m², regardless of comorbidity status. Given its nonsystemic mechanism of action and safety profile, OSH may help shift the focus of weight management toward patients with a lower BMI.

OSH offers a nonsystemic approach to weight management for patients who are diagnosed with overweight or obesity. As an alternative option to current pharmacological AOTs, OSH may address an existing clinical gap in weight management.