Gesynta Pharma initiates Phase II study of its first-in-class drug candidate GS-248 in patients with systemic sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis is a progressive, autoimmune disease that leads to serious damage to the
microvasculature. In the first stage, attacks of reduced blood flow to the fingers and toes (Raynaud's
phenomenon) occur, which causes pain and impaired fine motor skills. Later during the course of the
disease, patients are at risk for digital ulcers, which are extremely painful, and difficult-to-heal
wounds on the fingers and/or toes. The lungs, kidneys and heart can also be severely damaged as a
result of the inflammation in the microvasculature.

Gesynta Pharma's first-in-class drug candidate GS-248 provides a combination of anti-inflammatory
and vasodilatory effects by potently and selectively inhibiting microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1
(mPGES-1). A Phase I study has demonstrated that GS-248 is safe and well tolerated with a
pharmacokinetic profile supporting once daily dosing and with potent and durable antiinflammatory
properties (PGE2 decrease), as well as vasoprotective effects (prostacyclin increase).
These encouraging results support development of GS-248 as a treatment of systemic sclerosis and a
range of other medical conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases and rheumatic diseases.

The randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind Phase II study will include approximately 80
patients at clinical sites in four European countries. Patients will receive GS-248 at a dose of 120 mg
orally once daily, or placebo, for four weeks. The proof-of-concept study will generate a multitude of
safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetic data to support further clinical development in systemic
sclerosis and potential additional chronic inflammatory diseases.

"Gesynta Pharma has already shown that GS-248 exerts strong effects on biomarkers of
inflammation and vascular protection in humans, and we are excited to now initiate a Phase II study
in patients with systemic sclerosis. This is a patient group with a high unmet medical need and
results from the present study also have potential to serve as a solid foundation for expanding future
clinical development of our first-in-class drug candidate to other chronic inflammatory conditions,"
comments Gesynta Pharma's CEO, Patric Stenberg.

For more information, please contact:
Patric Stenberg, CEO
Gesynta Pharma AB
Tel: + 46 (0)733 836670
E-mail: [email protected]

International Media:
RHApr
Richard Hayhurst/Janet Joy
Tel: +44 (0)7711 821527
Email: [email protected]

Notes to editors:
About Gesynta Pharma AB
Gesynta Pharma's most advanced drug candidate GS-248 reduces inflammation and increases blood
flow in the microvessels, which may provide improved treatments for several serious diseases. In an
ongoing proof-of-concept study GS-248 is being evaluated for its potential to normalise vascular blood
flow and reduce pain in patients with the autoimmune disease systemic sclerosis. The results of
ongoing and planned clinical studies may allow for rapidly broadening the development towards
additional indications, such as cardiovascular diseases and rheumatic diseases other than systemic
sclerosis. The company's owners include Industrifonden, Hadean Ventures and a number of successful
life science entrepreneurs. For more information, visit www.gesynta.se