With No Titration, Demonstrated
Compelling Maximum Weight Loss of 6.3%
and
Mean Weight Loss of 4.3% at Day 26 at 32 mg
Dose (p=0.0005)
Demonstrated Strong Signal of GLP-1R Efficacy
with Maximum Lowering of Fasted Glucose of -18
mg/dL
and Mean Lowering of -5.3 mg/dL at Day 26 at
32 mg Dose
Maximum Waist Circumference Reduction
of 3.9 Inches and Mean Reduction of 1.6
Inches
Demonstrates Strong Signal of Glucagon
Efficacy at Day 33 at 32 mg Dose
Additional Cohorts Being Added to Determine
Maximum Tolerated Dose
Planned Phase 1 Part 3 to Include Wegovy®
Early Drop-Out Patients to Explore Potential Superiority of
DA-1726 on Safety and Tolerability, Along With Weight Loss and
Other Secondary Endpoints
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., April 15,
2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MetaVia Inc. (Nasdaq:
MTVA), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on
transforming cardiometabolic diseases, today announced positive
results from the 4-week multiple ascending dose (MAD) Part 2 of its
Phase 1 clinical trial of DA-1726, a novel, dual oxyntomodulin
(OXM) analog agonist that functions as a glucagon-like peptide-1
receptor (GLP1R) and glucagon receptor (GCGR), for the treatment of
obesity.
In the 28-day, 36-subject MAD portion of the study,
DA-1726 demonstrated excellent safety and tolerability, with
positive clinical activity. The cohort receiving 32 mg of DA-1726
with no titration demonstrated a maximum reduction in body weight
from baseline ranging up to -6.3%, and a mean body weight reduction
of -4.3% at Day 26 (p=0.0005). Four out of six subjects on the 32
mg dose experienced mild gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events
(AEs), most of which were resolved after 24 hours of occurrence.
There were no treatment-related discontinuations or serious adverse
events (SAEs).
"The Phase 1 MAD data underscore DA-1726's potential as a
best-in-class obesity drug demonstrating compelling safety,
tolerability and strong weight loss effects," stated Hyung Heon Kim, President and Chief Executive
Officer of MetaVia. "The data also indicates strong clinical
characteristics, with compelling tolerability and a maximum weight
loss of -6.3% at the 32 mg dose, which is not yet the maximum
tolerated dose, along with a mean weight reduction of -4.3% from
baseline. Although subjects in this study were exposed to study
drug or placebo for a total of 26 days, no signs of plateau were
observed. Given GLP-1R lowers glucose levels while GCGR increases
them, the 3:1 ratio of DA-1726 may provide an optimal balance to
achieve a sustainable and tolerable therapeutic effect in this
class of drugs. Additionally, early satiety was observed in 83% (5
of 6) of patients on the 32 mg dose, which we believe may be
suggestive of efficacy and we anticipate that greater weight loss
may be seen in longer duration studies. With the mean baseline of
41 inches, DA-1726 showed a waist circumference reduction of 1.6
inches on average, with a maximum reduction of 3.9 inches by day
33, which we believe is a result of GCGR breaking down the white
adipose tissue, as was reported in the preclinical poster we
presented at EASL 2024. It is important to note that the mean waist
circumference reductions were somewhat sustained with a 1.46 inch
reduction almost a month after the last dosing. Further, DA-1726
demonstrated potentially best-in-class lowering of fasted glucose
of -5.3 mg/dL and a maximum of -18 mg/dL at Day 26, allowing for a
potential expansion into Type 2 Diabetes and obese MASH patients.
Unlike amylin which reduces appetite, or GIP which controls AEs,
glucagon has its own therapeutic target other than weight loss,
mainly in the liver. DA-1726 shows strong signals that may benefit
obese patients with at least one comorbidity, as per FDA guidance.
Not all obese patients need to lose 30% of their weight and it is
our goal to develop an obesity drug that can be used safely in all
obese patients with different comorbidities.
"Despite DA-1726's glucagon agonism, fasting plasma glucose
(FPG) was well controlled and showed reduction without any
hypoglycemic AEs in all cohorts. The pharmacokinetic (PK)
results demonstrated a favorable exposure profile and dose
proportionality to support the proposed weekly dosing of DA-1726.
Of note, no significant cardiovascular signals were observed in
heart rate and QTcF results of the subjects receiving DA-1726.
Additionally, only four subjects experienced mild GI-related AEs
after the first 32 mg dose, most of which resolved within 24 hours,
demonstrating a potentially significantly better tolerability
profile compared to other weight loss treatments on the
market."
Mr. Kim continued, "It is well known that many patients on
current GLP-1 agonists discontinue treatment due to
tolerability issues, with 20% to 30% stopping within the first
month and up to 70% within a year. With DA-1726's balanced
activation of GLP1R and glucagon receptors enhancing energy
expenditure, we remain confident in its potential to become a
best-in-class obesity drug, with the further potential to offer
superior tolerability than currently marketed GLP-1
agonists and those in late-stage clinical trials. Based on these
results, we are currently planning to conduct a Phase 1 Part 3
study which will investigate DA-1726 on Wegovy® early drop-out
patients. Our goal is to generate data showing the superiority of
DA-1726 with respect to tolerability and safety, along with weight
loss and other secondary endpoints. In parallel, based on the
drug's clean safety profile, one or more additional cohorts with a
higher dose will be added to the Phase 1 study in order to further
explore the maximum tolerated dose, which will allow us to realize
the full potential of DA-1726."

DA-1726 demonstrated encouraging safety and tolerability
following repeated dosing. Overall, 25% of subjects in the MAD
study on DA-1726 experienced mostly mild (GI) related AEs, 12.5% of
patients reported nausea (vs. 8.3% on placebo), 16.7% experienced
vomiting (vs. 8.3% on placebo), 12.5% experienced constipation and
1 subject experienced abdominal distension. GI AEs were mostly
transient in nature and resolved spontaneously within 1-3 days.
Early satiety was observed in five out of six subjects receiving
the 32 mg dose. Considering that most patients started experiencing
this AE after the third dose, the company believes these findings
suggest signs of efficacy and that greater weight loss may be seen
in longer duration studies.
Table 1. Subject Disposition
Number of
subjects (%)
|
Pooled
PBO
|
4 mg
|
8 mg
|
16 mg
|
32 mg
|
Randomized
|
12
|
6
|
6
|
6
|
6
|
Completed the
Study
|
10
(83.3 %)
|
6
(100 %)
|
5
(83.3 %)
|
6
(100 %)
|
6
(100 %)
|
Early
Discontinuation from the Study
|
2
(16.7 %)
|
0
|
1 (16.7%)*
|
0
|
0
|
Reason for Study
Discontinuation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Treatment Related
SAE
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Non-Treatment
Related SAE
|
0
|
0
|
1 (16.7%) *
|
0
|
0
|
|
Others
|
2
(16.7 %)
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
* Hospitalization due to a car accident, subject was
in a passenger seat. Not related
to IP.
|
Table 2. GI Treatment Emergent Adverse Events, by
Severity
GI Treatment
Emergent Adverse Events
Number of subjects
reporting (%)
|
Pooled PBO
n = 12
|
Pooled
DA-1726
n = 24
|
4 mg
n = 6
|
8 mg
n = 6
|
16 mg
n = 6
|
32 mg
n = 6
|
Gastrointestinal
disorders
|
1
(8.3 %)
|
6
(25.0 %)
|
1
(16.7 %)
|
0
|
1
(16.7 %)
|
4
(66.7 %)
|
|
Mild
|
1
(8.3 %)
|
5
(20.8 %)
|
1
(16.7 %)
|
0
|
0
|
4
(66.7 %)
|
|
Moderate
|
0
|
1
(4.2 %)
|
0
|
0
|
1
(16.7 %)
|
0
|
|
Severe
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Vomiting
|
1
(8.3 %)
|
4
(16.7 %)
|
0
|
0
|
1
(16.7 %)
|
3
(50.0 %)
|
|
Mild
|
1
(8.3 %)
|
3
(12.5 %)
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
3
(50.0 %)
|
|
Moderate
|
0
|
1
(4.2 %)
|
0
|
0
|
1
(16.7 %)
|
0
|
|
Severe
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Nausea
|
1
(8.3 %)
|
3
(12.5 %)
|
0
|
0
|
1
(16.7 %)
|
2
(33.3 %)
|
|
Mild
|
1
(8.3 %)
|
2
(8.3 %)
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
2
(33.3 %)
|
|
Moderate
|
0
|
1
(4.2 %)
|
0
|
0
|
1
(16.7 %)
|
0
|
|
Severe
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Constipation
|
0
|
3
(12.5 %)
|
1
(16.7 %)
|
0
|
0
|
2
(33.3 %)
|
|
Mild
|
0
|
3
(12.5 %)
|
1
(16.7 %)
|
0
|
0
|
2
(33.3 %)
|
|
Moderate
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Severe
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Abdominal
distension
|
0
|
1
(4.2 %)
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
1
(16.7 %)
|
|
Mild
|
0
|
1
(4.2 %)
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
1
(16.7 %)
|
|
Moderate
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Severe
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Phase 1 trial was a randomized, double-blind,
placebo-controlled study to investigate the safety, tolerability,
pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) of single and
multiple ascending doses of DA-1726 in obese, otherwise healthy
subjects. The MAD portion of the study enrolled healthy adults with
a minimum body mass index between BMI 30 – 45 kg/m2. The
primary endpoint of the Phase 1 trial was to assess the safety and
tolerability of DA-1726 by monitoring adverse events (AEs), serious
adverse events (SAEs), treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs)
and AEs leading to treatment discontinuation. Secondary endpoints
included the PK of DA-1726, assessed via serum concentrations over
time and metabolite profiling at the highest doses of DA-1726.
Exploratory endpoints included the effect of DA-1726 on metabolic
parameters, cardiac parameters, fasting lipid levels, body weight,
waist circumference and body mass index (BMI), among others.
For more information on this clinical trial, please visit:
www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT06252220.
About DA-1726
DA-1726 is a novel oxyntomodulin (OXM)
analogue functioning as a GLP1R/GCGR dual agonist for the treatment
of obesity and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis
(MASH) that is to be administered once weekly subcutaneously.
DA-1726 acts as a dual agonist of GLP-1 receptors
(GLP1R) and glucagon receptors (GCGR), leading to weight loss
through reduced appetite and increased energy expenditure. DA-1726
has a well understood mechanism and, in pre-clinical mice models,
resulted in improved weight loss compared to semaglutide (Wegovy®)
and cotadutide (another OXM analogue). Additionally, in
pre-clinical mouse models, DA-1726 elicited similar weight
reduction, while consuming more food, compared tirzepatide
(Zepbound®) and survodutide (a drug with the same MOA), while also
preserving lean body mass and demonstrating improved lipid-lowering
effects compared to survodutide.
About MetaVia
MetaVia Inc. is a clinical-stage
biotechnology company focused on transforming cardiometabolic
diseases. The company is currently developing DA-1726 for the
treatment of obesity and is developing DA-1241 for the treatment of
Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH). DA-1726 is
a novel oxyntomodulin (OXM) analogue that functions as a
glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP1R) and glucagon receptor
(GCGR) dual agonist. OXM is a naturally-occurring gut hormone that
activates GLP1R and GCGR, thereby decreasing food intake while
increasing energy expenditure, thus potentially resulting in
superior body weight loss compared to selective GLP1R agonists.
DA-1241 is a novel G-protein-coupled receptor 119 (GPR119) agonist
that promotes the release of key gut peptides GLP-1,
GIP, and PYY. In pre-clinical studies, DA-1241 demonstrated a
positive effect on liver inflammation, lipid metabolism, weight
loss, and glucose metabolism, reducing hepatic steatosis, hepatic
inflammation, and liver fibrosis, while also improving glucose
control. In a Phase 2a clinical study, DA-1241 demonstrated direct
hepatic action in addition to its glucose lowering effects.
For more information, please visit www.metaviatx.com.
Forward Looking Statements
Certain statements in this
press release may be considered forward-looking statements within
the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. Words such as "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "may",
"will", "should", "seeks", "approximately", "potential", "intends",
"projects", "plans", "estimates" or the negative of these words or
other comparable terminology (as well as other words or expressions
referencing future events, conditions or circumstances) are
intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking
statements are predictions, projections and other statements about
future events that are based on current expectations and
assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and
uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to
differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press
release, including, without limitation, those risks associated with
MetaVia's ability to execute on its commercial strategy; our
expectations regarding the sufficiency of our existing cash on hand
to fund our operations; the timeline for regulatory submissions;
the ability to obtain regulatory approval through the development
steps of MetaVia's current and future product candidates; the
ability to realize the benefits of the license agreement with
Dong-A ST Co. Ltd., including the impact on future financial and
operating results of MetaVia; the cooperation of MetaVia's contract
manufacturers, clinical study partners and others involved in the
development of MetaVia's current and future product candidates;
potential negative interactions between MetaVia's product
candidates and any other products with which they are combined for
treatment; MetaVia's ability to initiate and complete clinical
trials on a timely basis; MetaVia's ability to recruit subjects for
its clinical trials; whether MetaVia receives results from
MetaVia's clinical trials that are consistent with the results of
pre-clinical and previous clinical trials; impact of costs related
to the license agreement, known and unknown, including costs of any
litigation or regulatory actions relating to the license agreement;
the effects of changes in applicable laws or regulations; the
effects of changes to MetaVia's stock price on the terms of the
license agreement and any future fundraising; and other risks and
uncertainties described in MetaVia's filings with the Securities
and Exchange Commission, including MetaVia's most recent Annual
Report on Form 10-K. Forward-looking statements speak only as of
the date when made. MetaVia does not assume any obligation to
publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether
as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except
as required by law.
Contacts:
MetaVia
Marshall H.
Woodworth
Chief Financial Officer
+1-857-299-1033
marshall.woodworth@metaviatx.com
Rx Communications Group
Michael Miller
+1-917-633-6086
mmiller@rxir.com
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/metavia-announces-positive-top-line-data-from-the-4-week-phase-1-mad-trial-of-da-1726-a-novel-31-ratio-glp-1-glucagon-dual-receptor-agonist-to-treat-obesity-showing-compelling-weight-loss-and-safety-effects-with-potential-best--302428044.html
SOURCE MetaVia Inc.