MetaVia's Promising First Quarter 2025 Results and Breakthroughs in Obesity Treatment

MetaVia Reports Significant Progress in Obesity Treatment

MetaVia Inc. has officially announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2025, revealing a pivotal moment in their ongoing research and development initiatives aimed at tackling cardiometabolic diseases. The company, which operates under NASDAQ ticker symbol MTVA, recently debuted promising results from a Phase 1 Multiple Ascending Dose (MAD) trial for its obesity treatment candidate, DA-1726.

Standout Trial Results for DA-1726

The Phase 1 trial demonstrated a strong safety and tolerability profile for DA-1726, a novel dual agonist acting as both a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP1R) and glucagon receptor (GCGR) analog. The results illustrated that, without the need for titration, participants who took the 32 mg dosage experienced an average weight reduction of 4.3% at Day 26, peaking at a maximum loss of 6.3%. Impressively, 83% of patients experienced early satiety, leading to a significant decrease in waist circumference by an average of 1.6 inches.

Moreover, participants also recorded a safe reduction in fasted glucose levels, showcasing DA-1726's potential not just for weight management but also for improving related metabolic functions. Not specified for hypoglycemic events and favorable cardiovascular safety extended further confidence in these early findings.

Financial Position and Future Directions

Financially, MetaVia is transitioning into a more stable position following the successful closure of a private placement that raised $10 million in gross proceeds. With cash reserves totaling $11.2 million at the end of Q1 2025, the company anticipates sufficient funding to carry operations effectively through 2026.

Hyung Heon Kim, the company’s President and CEO, stated, “Our capital position now enables us to explore higher dosing cohorts for DA-1726, which we strongly believe will unlock its full therapeutic potential and provide a safe, effective obesity treatment.” This reflects MetaVia’s commitment to align their development strategy with FDA guidelines for promising obesity management.

Accompanying Developments in Metabolic Health

Alongside DA-1726, MetaVia also presented promising data for its other candidate, DA-1241, at the 2025 European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) Congress. This G-Protein-Coupled Receptor 119 (GPR119) agonist exhibited remarkable liver protection while regulating glucose levels in patients suspected of suffering from Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH). The results highlighted a decrease in liver injury markers and improvements in glycemic control, drawing attention to DA-1241’s potential dual benefits.

Reduced Operating Costs Signal Efficiency

MetaVia’s financial report showed a reduction in both research and development expenses, culminating at approximately $2.3 million compared to $4.9 million in the same quarter of 2024. This decrease reflects a strategic pivot to focus resources more effectively, particularly on DA-1726 and DA-1241, which demonstrate significant promise in clinical trials. Furthermore, general and administrative costs saw a drop to approximately $1.6 million, underscoring MetaVia's ongoing commitment to operational efficiency while pushing the boundaries of medical innovation.

Looking Ahead: Clinical Milestones and FDA Discussions

Looking forward, the company anticipates further clinical milestones, particularly focusing on higher-dose cohorts for DA-1726 targeted for Q3 2025, with new data expected by Q4 2025. An end-of-phase 2 FDA meeting for DA-1241 is also expected within the first half of the year, during which the team hopes to secure further insights from regulatory bodies.

MetaVia Inc. remains dedicated to advancing its innovative pipeline targeting the urgent challenges posed by obesity and related metabolic disorders. With key assets progressing through clinical trials and a solidified financial foundation, 2025 is poised to be a transformative year for the company and its stakeholders.