MetaVia Begins Phase 1 Clinical Trial for Obesity Treatment with DA-1726 Dosing

MetaVia Initiates Phase 1 Clinical Trial for DA-1726

MetaVia Inc., a biotechnology company focused on combating cardiometabolic diseases, announced an important milestone in the fight against obesity with the initiation of a Phase 1 clinical trial involving its promising drug candidate, DA-1726. The trial commenced with the dosing of the first patient in the 48 mg multiple ascending dose (MAD) cohort.

Understanding DA-1726

DA-1726 is a cutting-edge dual agonist that targets two key receptors in the body: the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP1R) and the glucagon receptor (GCGR). Its innovative mechanism is designed to help patients cope with obesity by reducing appetite and increasing energy expenditure. This multi-pronged approach could position DA-1726 as a potent contender in the obesity treatment landscape, particularly for those struggling with other GLP-1 therapies that often come with significant side effects and discontinuation rates.

Key Milestones and Future Projections

The topline results from the trial are anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2025. Hyung Heon Kim, President and CEO of MetaVia, emphasized that the initiation of dosing in the 48 mg cohort represents a significant achievement for the company and its potential cardiometabolic solution.

Kim also noted that earlier clinical data on the 32 mg dose highlighted DA-1726’s best-in-class potential in achieving weight loss—averaging 4.3% with a maximum of 6.3%—and reductions in waist size, indicative of its effectiveness in tackling obesity’s physical manifestations. Furthermore, 83% of patients on the 32 mg dose reported early satiety, indicating the drug’s ability to enhance fullness and decrease hunger.

Safety and Tolerability Analysis

The study meticulously tracks various safety parameters, including adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs), to ensure DA-1726’s tolerability among participants. Preliminary data suggests a favorable safety profile, with no QTcF prolongation and only mild gastrointestinal side effects reported. These findings hint at a promising tolerability advantage over existing GLP-1 therapies, which often saw up to a 30% discontinuation rate within the first month and an alarming 70% rate over a year.

The Phase 1 Trial in Detail

The Phase 1 trial is designed as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, specifically looking at the safety and pharmacodynamics (PD) of single and multiple ascending doses of DA-1726 in healthy individuals with obesity. Participants must have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 - 45 kg/m². During the trial, nine subjects in each cohort will receive either DA-1726 or a placebo over the course of four weekly doses.

In addition to the primary safety endpoint, the study will explore DA-1726’s impact on various metabolic, cardiac, and weight-related parameters, potentially adding valuable insights into its overall effectiveness.

Conclusion and Next Steps

MetaVia is optimistic about DA-1726’s potential as a game-changer in the obesity treatment sphere, particularly due to its dual activation capabilities which address tolerability issues plaguing current GLP-1 agonists. As the trial progresses, the biotechnology firm remains dedicated to uncovering the full therapeutic potential of DA-1726 while making strides toward solutions for those battling obesity.

For further information on the clinical trial, please visit ClinicalTrials.gov. For more specifics on MetaVia and its innovative approach to metabolic diseases, visit MetaVia's website.