MetaVia’s GLP-1 Agonist Reduces Liver Fat and Body Weight in Phase 1 Trial; Phase 2 Planned for Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease
By Dr. Zubair Khalid, DVM, MS, PhD ·
MetaVia has reported that its dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist lowered liver fat and body weight in a phase 1 clinical trial. Encouraged by these results, the company intends to launch a phase 2 study in alcohol-associated liver disease next year.
The trial tested the investigational drug in healthy volunteers or patients, though specific details on participant numbers, dosing, and magnitude of effects were not disclosed in the summary. The primary goal of the phase 1 study was to assess safety and tolerability, while the observed reductions in liver fat and body weight represent additional efficacy signals.
MetaVia now plans to move the candidate into a phase 2 trial focused on alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), a condition with few approved treatments. The company has not yet announced exact start dates or trial design.
Why this matters in life sciences
GLP-1 receptor agonists are best known for their role in diabetes and obesity, but the class is increasingly being studied for liver diseases. Adding glucagon receptor activation may enhance fat metabolism in the liver. If confirmed in larger trials, a drug that simultaneously reduces liver fat and body weight could offer a new therapeutic avenue for ALD and potentially for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), another common liver condition. MetaVia’s approach highlights the broader trend of repurposing or modifying incretin-based therapies for non-metabolic indications.
Source: original report