MetaVia Breakthrough: DA-1726 Shows Promising Results in Uric Acid and Liver Fat Reduction

Introduction

In an exciting development for biomedical research, MetaVia Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company, has announced compelling results from its recent Phase 1 Part 3B clinical trial involving DA-1726. This innovative oxyntomodulin analog has demonstrated significant benefits in reducing uric acid levels and liver fat in participants diagnosed with obesity. These findings not only highlight the efficacy of DA-1726 but also contribute to a transformative approach to managing liver-related cardiometabolic diseases.

Key Findings from the Clinical Trial

During the trial, participants receiving DA-1726 exhibited a statistically significant 1.47 mg/dL reduction in serum uric acid levels after 16 weeks of treatment, with p-values indicating strong reliability (p<0.001). Interestingly, this decrease occurred despite participants starting with mean uric acid levels falling within the normal range. In addition to lowering uric acid, the treatment led to a remarkable 68.1% reduction in liver fat, further illustrating DA-1726's potential in tackling metabolic issues associated with liver diseases.

Overview of Participants and Results

The trial involved 15 adult participants who were all healthy but categorized as obese. DA-1726 was administered in escalating doses, starting with 16 mg weekly, increasing to a targeted dose of 64 mg. Analysis revealed a mean serum uric acid reduction from 5.89 mg/dL to 4.87 mg/dL, contrastingly, the placebo group showed an increment from 4.80 mg/dL to 5.25 mg/dL. This stark variation underscores the drug’s impactful physiological role.

What's more, all participants with baseline liver steatosis achieved normalization of liver fat levels by Day 109. The treatment also correlated with a 13.5% placebo-adjusted weight loss and a 0.44 absolute percentage-point reduction in HbA1c levels (p=0.006), a marker critical in diabetes management.

Implications for Liver Disease Treatment

MetaVia's CEO, Hyung Heon Kim, expressed optimism regarding these results, pinpointing that elevated uric acid can lead to complications including insulin resistance and liver fat accumulation. The dual-action of DA-1726, activating both GLP-1 (GLP1R) and glucagon (GCGR) receptors, aims not only at weight loss but also at improving overall metabolic health.

With the promising interim results reported, MetaVia is keenly advancing DA-1726 to a Phase 2 study focused on Metabolic Alcohol-related Liver Disease (MetALD) and Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease (ALD). This upcoming clinical trial is anticipated to launch in the latter half of 2027, following the comprehensive data presentation from Phase 1 this coming early 2027.

Conclusion

MetaVia Inc.’s continued research and innovation with DA-1726 present a significant step forward in the fight against liver diseases linked with metabolic syndrome. The initial data from this Phase 1 trial not only illuminates the potential health benefits of DA-1726 but also sets the stage for future explorations that may lead to effective treatments for conditions previously deemed challenging. As we look towards Phase 2 and beyond, the promise of innovative therapies remains a beacon of hope for those grappling with liver-related health complexities.

For further updates, refer to the official MetaVia website and upcoming press releases as the company progresses in its research and clinical studies.