MetaVia Advances Obesity Drug DA-1726 into Higher-Dose Phase 1 Trials

Cambridge, Mass. – MetaVia Inc. (Nasdaq: MTVA) announced on March 18, 2026, that the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at Clinical Pharmacology of Miami has approved the initiation of Part 3 of its Phase 1 clinical trial for DA-1726, a novel drug candidate for obesity. This approval allows for the testing of higher doses of the drug, which combines GLP-1 and glucagon receptors, potentially offering a more effective approach to weight loss and metabolic control.

DA-1726: A Dual-Action Approach to Obesity

DA-1726 is an oxyntomodulin (OXM) analog designed to activate both GLP-1 (GLP1R) and glucagon (GCGR) receptors. This dual mechanism aims to suppress appetite and increase energy expenditure, potentially leading to greater weight loss than traditional GLP-1 medications. MetaVia believes this approach has the potential to be “best-in-class” for weight loss and glucose control.

Phase 1 Part 3 Trial Design

The Phase 1 Part 3 trial will enroll 40 obese, otherwise healthy adults, divided into two cohorts of 20 participants each. Participants will be randomized in a 4:1 ratio (16 active. 4 placebo). The study will utilize two different dose-escalation strategies:

• Part 3A: One-step titration – 16 mg for 4 weeks, followed by 48 mg for 12 weeks.
• Part 3B: Two-step titration – 16 mg for 4 weeks, 32 mg for 4 weeks, and 64 mg for 8 weeks.

The primary endpoints of the trial will focus on safety and tolerability, monitoring adverse events (AEs), serious adverse events (SAEs), and treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Secondary and exploratory endpoints will include pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) assessments, as well as measurements of metabolic, glycemic, lipid, and body composition parameters, including weight, waist circumference, and body mass index (BMI). PR Newswire

Previous Trial Data Encouraging

The decision to move forward with higher-dose trials is supported by data from earlier Phase 1 studies. A 48 mg dose of DA-1726 demonstrated an average weight loss of approximately 9.1% over 54 days, along with improvements in glucose and waist measurements. StockTitan

MASH Pipeline and Patent Protection

In addition to its obesity program, MetaVia is also focused on the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), formerly known as NASH. The company recently confirmed the extension of global patent protection for its MASH drug candidate, vanoglipel (DA-1241), until 2035. Previous study results have shown significant improvements in liver values and blood sugar control with vanoglipel. StockTitan

Timeline and Investor Outlook

MetaVia plans to begin dosing subjects in the expanded DA-1726 study in April 2026, with efficacy and safety data expected to be released in the fourth quarter of 2026. The company’s strategic focus is now entirely on these two cardiometabolic growth areas, following a rebranding from Neurobo Pharmaceuticals to MetaVia in late 2024. StockTitan