MetaVia Reports Promising Results for Obesity Drug DA-1726 in Phase 1 MAD Trial

MetaVia Inc. (Nasdaq: MTVA), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing treatments for cardiometabolic diseases, announced positive results from Part 2 of its Phase 1 multiple ascending dose (MAD) clinical trial of DA-1726, a dual oxyntomodulin analog agonist targeting GLP-1 and glucagon receptors for the treatment of obesity.

In the 28-day study involving 36 subjects, DA-1726 showed strong safety, tolerability, and early signs of efficacy. The highest tested dose, 32 mg without titration, resulted in a maximum body weight reduction of 6.3% and a mean reduction of 4.3% at Day 26 (p=0.0005). Most adverse events were mild gastrointestinal issues, resolving within 24 hours, and there were no serious adverse events or treatment discontinuations.

Hyung Heon Kim, MetaVia’s CEO, highlighted the potential of DA-1726 to become a best-in-class obesity drug, noting its balanced GLP-1R/GCGR agonism and promising safety profile. No plateau in weight loss was observed, and early satiety was reported in 83% of patients on the 32 mg dose. Waist circumference was reduced by an average of 1.6 inches, with a maximum reduction of 3.9 inches by day 33. These reductions were largely sustained nearly a month after dosing stopped. The drug also demonstrated favorable reductions in fasting glucose levels without hypoglycemic events, suggesting potential for expansion into treating type 2 diabetes and MASH.

Pharmacokinetic results supported weekly dosing, and no cardiovascular safety concerns were identified. The company believes DA-1726 may offer better tolerability than current GLP-1 agonists, with significantly fewer early discontinuations.

MetaVia is planning a Phase 1 Part 3 study to evaluate DA-1726 in patients who discontinued Wegovy® due to tolerability issues. Additionally, higher-dose cohorts will be added to the ongoing Phase 1 study to further assess the maximum tolerated dose.