MetaVia’s DA-1726 Demonstrates Strong Weight Loss, Safety in Phase 1 Obesity Trial

MetaVia Inc. released new top-line results from the multiple ascending dose (MAD) portion of its Phase 1 trial evaluating DA-1726, a novel dual GLP-1 and glucagon receptor agonist, in obese adults. The study showed a dose-dependent reduction in body weight and BMI across 8 to 32 mg doses over 28 days. Notably, the highest dose (32 mg) yielded a 6.3% maximum and 4.3% average weight loss without significant increases in heart rate or QTcF interval, highlighting the compound’s safety and efficacy. 

Hyung Heon Kim, President and Chief Executive Officer of MetaVia, said,"This new, additional Phase 1 MAD data further highlights DA-1726's potential to be a best-in-class obesity treatment, showing impressive weight loss results, particularly in terms of BMI reduction. Specifically, there was a clear dose-dependent effect on body weight loss between 8 mg and 32 mg, with higher doses leading to greater weight reduction. BMI change from baseline showed the difference between the drug group and the placebo group was even more noticeable. Based on the robust safety and tolerability profile of DA-1726, we believe that 32 mg will likely be the starting dose for future clinical trials."

Mr. Kim continued, "Additionally, activation of either the GLP-1 or glucagon receptors is known to increase heart rate. As a result, dual agonists that simultaneously activate both receptors may raise concerns about excessive heart rate elevation and potential QT interval prolongation. For example, at least one similar dual agonist in clinical trials was discontinued due to an increase in heart rate and other safety concerns. In contrast, the mean heart rate of subjects on DA-1726 showed a slight decrease from baseline in all treatment groups other than the 16 mg cohort where the baseline was significantly lower than other cohorts; the mean decrease after 4 weeks was -14 to -0.7 beats per min (bpm) in the DA-1726 cohorts (4, 8 or 32 mg once weekly) while there was an increase of 7.7 bpm for DA-1726 16 mg cohort. There were no onsets reported in the QTcF (QT interval corrected for heart rate using the method of Fridericia) interval categories >480–500 msec or >500 msec, and no risk of cardiovascular events was identified."

DA-1726’s unique 3:1 GLP-1 to glucagon receptor activation may help overcome the tolerability issues seen with current GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy®, which can lead to high discontinuation rates. The compound also demonstrated improved metabolic markers, including reduced fasting glucose and waist circumference, indicating robust dual-receptor activity. Gastrointestinal side effects were mild and transient, with no serious adverse events reported.

Mr. Kim concluded, "After our initial top-line data was announced pre-market on April 15, 2025, the Company's previously issued and outstanding pre-funded warrants were exercised for 1,430,000 shares of the Company's common stock -- leaving no pre-funded warrants outstanding. We continue to believe that the body of data for DA-1726 provides a compelling case for its future potential as a treatment for obesity."

MetaVia plans to launch a follow-up Phase 1 Part 3 study targeting patients who discontinued Wegovy early, aiming to showcase better tolerability and effectiveness. Higher-dose arms will be included to determine the maximum tolerated dose and potential for even greater weight loss. The company views DA-1726 as a strong candidate in the evolving obesity treatment market.