GI Dynamics Background
GI Dynamics was created by Seedling Enterprises, LLC, in 2003, to develop novel, minimally invasive devices for treating obesity, a disease that today continues to lack a safe and effective medical solution. The original concept for the company technology was developed by John Cvinar and Andy Levine and now forms the basis for an extensive portfolio of intellectual property. The company has also solicited expertise from internationally recognized bariatric surgeons and gastroenterologists in addition to benefiting from the engineering talents of the technical team that has been assembled. http://www.atvcapital.com

Early development work was conducted at Seedling Enterprises leading to completion of early implant designs and biomechanical experiments. With proof of concept implant data in hand, Andy Levine and John Cvinar raised $4.1 million in Series A capital investment. The round was co-led by Advanced Technology Ventures (ATV), Domain Associates and Polaris Ventures, with additional financing from Catalyst Health and Technology Partners and Seedling Enterprises. Andy stayed with the Company as CEO and John moved off to devote full attention to Angstrom Medica. Stuart Randle was later hired to assume the position of CEO freeing Andy to devote full time to the realization of the company's new technology. http://www.catalysthealthventures.com The Company has subsequently raised two additional rounds of capital: $12M in May, 2004 and $30M in June, 2006. http://www.atvcapital.com

GI Dynamics first device intends to change the metabolic and endocrine activity of the gastrointestinal tract that will provide new treatments for obesity and Type 2 diabetes. The company has focused on evaluating the safety of its product technology in a human clinical evaluation while simultaneously supporting research into new approaches to dealing with these serious health problems.

Technology
In 2006, GI Dyamics completed their first successful clinical trial, in a weight-loss safety trial, in South America. This 'first in man' study followed extensive bench testing of the mechanical features of the product as well as long term implants in animals. The weight loss trial was extremely valuable in helping refine techniques for delivering and retrieving devices. It also provided insight into the safety and efficacy of implants during the initial three-month implant duration. Later, GI Dynamics investigators presented and published results of experience both in animals and humans. A second efficacy study was immediately put underway to extend implant duration to six months. Trials in Europe and the US were commenced during 2007

In addition to treating obesity with sleeve technology, DI Dynamics has expanded its understanding of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and role the sleeve technology may play treating this serious epidemic. A numberof human subjects in the initial weight-loss study had T2DM and most were treated successfully with the implant.