MetaVia Inc. (Nasdaq: MTVA), a clinical-stage biotech focused on cardiometabolic diseases, has announced the extension of the 48 mg cohort in its Phase 1 trial of DA-1726, a dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist for obesity. The study duration has doubled from 4 weeks to 8 weeks, with a fifth weekly dose already administered to the first patient.
Why the Extension?
- Goal: To evaluate longer-term early efficacy and identify the non-titrated maximum tolerated dose.
- Objective: To gather deeper data on safety, tolerability, and efficacy markers (like body weight, BMI, waist circumference).
- Top-line data expected: Q4 2025.
“This extension represents a meaningful step forward... it may position DA-1726 more strongly against current GLP-1 therapies,”
- Hyung Heon Kim, CEO of MetaVia
DA-1726: A Next-Gen Obesity Therapy
DA-1726 is a dual oxyntomodulin analog agonist, activating both:
- GLP-1 receptors (GLP1R) – reduces appetite
- Glucagon receptors (GCGR) – increases energy expenditure
Unique Features:
- 3:1 balanced GLP1R:GCGR activation — may offer better tolerability than current GLP-1 drugs
- Once-weekly subcutaneous dosing
- Potential for superior weight loss and cardiometabolic safety
Previously Reported Results (32 mg dose):
- Weight loss:
- Average: 4.3%
- Max: 6.3% by Day 26 - Satiety: 83% of patients reported early satiety
- Waist reduction: Up to 3.9 inches by Day 33
- Safety: Mild, transient GI side effects
- Cardiovascular/glycemic profile: Favorable
Phase 1 Study Design Highlights
- Type: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
- Participants: Obese (BMI 30–45), otherwise healthy adults
- Cohort size: 9 subjects per dose group (6 DA-1726 : 3 placebo)
- Extension: 4 more weekly doses added (total 8 weeks treatment)
Endpoints:
- Primary: Safety and tolerability (AEs, SAEs, TEAEs, discontinuation)
- Secondary: Pharmacokinetics (PK), metabolite profiling
- Exploratory:
- Weight loss
- BMI and waist changes
- Lipids, glucose metabolism
- Cardiovascular metrics
About DA-1726
- Mechanism: Dual GLP1R/GCGR agonist
- Target indications:
- Obesity
- MASH (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis) - Preclinical advantage:
- Outperformed semaglutide (Wegovy®) and cotadutide in mice
- Comparable weight loss to tirzepatide (Zepbound®) while preserving lean body mass
- Improved lipid-lowering over survodutide
About MetaVia
MetaVia is advancing two main candidates:
- DA-1726
- Obesity & MASH
- Strong potential in weight loss, BMI reduction, metabolic improvements - DA-1241
- GPR119 agonist for MASH
- Promotes gut hormone release (GLP-1, GIP, PYY)
- Reduces hepatic inflammation, steatosis, fibrosis
- Shows glucose-lowering and liver-targeted effects in early studies
