#United States #Cambridge #MetaVia #DA-1241 #Syntekabio

MetaVia and Syntekabio Collaboration: A New Era in Drug Discovery

MetaVia Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in cardiometabolic diseases, has announced its latest collaboration with Syntekabio, Inc., an innovative leader in AI-driven drug discovery. This partnership marks a significant step forward in the quest to explore new therapeutic indications for DA-1241, a novel G-Protein-Coupled Receptor 119 (GPR119) agonist.

The collaboration, revealed on August 4, 2025, follows promising results from a Phase 2a clinical trial of DA-1241, which demonstrated a strong safety and tolerability profile. This trial highlighted the therapeutic potential of DA-1241 in treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). MetaVia's President and CEO, Hyung Heon Kim, expressed optimism about expanding the capabilities of DA-1241. He stated that their partnership with Syntekabio aims to harness the power of AI to identify new disease targets and enhance the therapeutic profile of their promising drug.

The Potential of DA-1241

DA-1241 functions by acting on GPR119, a receptor involved in the regulation of glucose metabolism and energy homeostasis. The agonism of this receptor in the gut stimulates the release of essential gut peptides like GLP-1, GIP, and PYY, which play crucial roles in controlling glucose levels and lipid metabolism. Clinical research has indicated that DA-1241 can significantly improve hepatic inflammation and reduce hepatosteatosis (fatty liver), amongst other metabolic benefits.

In multiple preclinical studies, DA-1241 has shown significant promise in reversing liver inflammation, lowering glucose levels, and improving overall metabolic health in animal models of MASH and type 2 diabetes. With a strong foundation established by prior clinical trials, MetaVia believes that DA-1241 could address numerous unmet medical needs in the evolving landscape of metabolic disease therapies.

AI-Driven Discovery with Syntekabio

Syntekabio brings its expertise in computational drug discovery to this partnership. Utilizing their proprietary DeepMatcher® platform, the collaboration will conduct extensive virtual screenings against a diverse array of validated protein targets. This data-centric approach is designed to identify novel, high-potential indications for DA-1241 while minimizing risks associated with off-target effects, allowing for precise therapeutic developments. The aim is to accelerate the drug discovery process through the use of AI, which can quickly analyze and predict potential compound-protein interactions across thousands of targets.

As highlighted by Kim, the collaboration with Syntekabio not only enhances the potential applications of DA-1241 but also sets a precedent for how biotechnology companies can leverage artificial intelligence in pharmaceuticals. This innovative partnership signifies a shift toward integrating advanced technology in drug development, promising to expedite the discovery of effective treatments for complex diseases.

Looking Ahead

MetaVia anticipates unveiling initial results from this collaboration later this year. The future of DA-1241 looks promising as the company aims to discover new applications that may benefit patients suffering from various metabolic diseases. Furthermore, the strategic partnership illustrates MetaVia's commitment to expanding its research capabilities and improving patient outcomes through technological advancement.

In addition to DA-1241, MetaVia is also exploring other therapeutic options, including DA-1726, an oxyntomodulin analog aimed at treating obesity. By focusing on combining innovative therapies with machine learning capabilities, MetaVia is positioning itself at the forefront of the biopharmaceutical industry, dedicated to transforming the landscape of mensurable health challenges.

For ongoing updates and further information on MetaVia's initiatives, interested parties can visit MetaVia's official website.