MetaVia Announces First Patient Dosed in Higher-Dose Phase 1 Study of DA-1726 for Obesity
MetaVia Announces First Patient Dosed in Higher-Dose Phase 1 Study of DA-1726 for Obesity
Key Highlights
- MetaVia Inc. (Nasdaq: MTVA) has dosed the first patient in Part 3 of its ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial for DA-1726, a novel dual GLP-1 and glucagon receptor agonist for obesity.
- The study is a 16-week trial evaluating higher doses with two titration regimens: one-step to 48 mg and two-step to 64 mg, in obese but otherwise healthy adults.
- The company previously observed ~9% weight loss at the 48 mg dose, with additional benefits in waist circumference, glycemic control, and early liver outcomes—all with a favorable tolerability profile.
- Part 3 of the trial is designed to reach higher therapeutic doses more quickly and with improved tolerability compared to currently marketed obesity therapies, which may require longer titration periods.
- Data from this trial is expected in Q4 2026.
- The trial will enroll 40 subjects (20 per arm, randomized 4:1 active:placebo) to evaluate one-step and two-step titration regimens.
- Primary endpoints include safety, tolerability, adverse events, and discontinuation rates, while secondary and exploratory endpoints include pharmacokinetics, metabolic outcomes, and body composition changes.
- DA-1726 has shown in preclinical studies to outperform leading weight loss drugs such as semaglutide (Wegovy®) and has preserved lean body mass with improved lipid-lowering effects compared to competitors.
Details of the Phase 1 Part 3 Study
MetaVia’s Part 3 study of DA-1726 aims to optimize the dosing strategy for this promising dual agonist. The trial consists of two cohorts:
- Part 3A (one-step titration): 16 mg for 4 weeks, then 48 mg for 12 weeks.
- Part 3B (two-step titration): 16 mg for 4 weeks, 32 mg for 4 weeks, then 64 mg for 8 weeks.
The study population includes 40 obese, otherwise healthy adults, randomized 4:1 (16 active, 4 placebo per cohort). The main objectives are to assess safety and tolerability at higher dose levels, along with pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles. Additionally, the study will monitor key efficacy indicators such as weight change, waist circumference, BMI, glycemic and lipid measures, and other cardiometabolic risk factors.
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- Advancement in Clinical Development: Dosing the first patient in higher-dose cohorts marks a critical milestone, signaling successful progression of DA-1726’s clinical program and a potential path to differentiated efficacy in obesity management.
- Best-in-Class Potential: Previous data demonstrated approximately 9% weight loss at the 48 mg dose, meaningful metabolic improvements, and favorable tolerability—positioning DA-1726 as a potential best-in-class therapy for obesity and metabolic diseases.
- Competitive Differentiation: The new titration regimens may allow for faster and better tolerated dose escalation compared to existing GLP-1 therapies, which could significantly shorten time to maximal efficacy and improve patient compliance. This has the potential to disrupt the market and drive significant commercial value if confirmed in larger studies.
- Upcoming Catalysts: Topline data are anticipated in Q4 2026, a potential inflection point for the company’s valuation.
- Pipeline Synergy: MetaVia is also developing vanoglipel (DA-1241) for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH), further strengthening its position in the rapidly growing cardiometabolic field.
- Preclinical Superiority: DA-1726 demonstrated superior weight loss compared to semaglutide and comparable results to tirzepatide and survodutide, while preserving lean mass and improving lipid profiles—features highly sought after in the obesity therapeutic landscape.
About DA-1726
DA-1726 is a novel oxyntomodulin (OXM) analogue acting as a dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist, designed for once-weekly subcutaneous administration. It leverages mechanisms that both reduce appetite and increase energy expenditure, aiming for greater weight loss than selective GLP-1 agonists. Preclinical mouse studies showed that DA-1726 yielded improved weight loss compared to semaglutide and preserved lean body mass while improving lipid parameters relative to competitors. In earlier Phase 1 studies, DA-1726 delivered best-in-class results for weight loss, glucose control, and waist circumference reduction.
About MetaVia Inc.
MetaVia Inc. is a clinical-stage biotech focused on cardiometabolic diseases. Besides DA-1726, its pipeline includes vanoglipel (DA-1241), a GPR119 agonist for MASH, which has shown positive effects on liver inflammation, lipid metabolism, and glucose control in preclinical and early clinical studies.
Forward-Looking Statements
This article contains forward-looking statements regarding MetaVia’s business, clinical development plans, and product candidates. These statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including clinical trial outcomes, regulatory approval, commercialization challenges, and financial constraints. Investors are encouraged to review MetaVia’s latest filings with the SEC for a comprehensive discussion of risk factors. MetaVia assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by law.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any securities. All investments carry risks, including loss of principal. Readers should consult their own financial advisors and review company disclosures and SEC filings before making any investment decisions.
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