Dong-A ST said Friday that it has released non-clinical research results on the new drug candidate, DA-1726, in a poster session at the annual American Diabetes Association (ADA) conference.

DA-1726 is a new drug under development as an oxyntomodulin analog-based obesity and diabetes treatment, which acts simultaneously on GLP-1 and glucagon receptors to promote appetite suppression, and insulin secretion and ultimately increase basal metabolism in the periphery.

Last year, Dong-A announced DA-1241, a treatment for hyperglycemia, at the same meeting. This year, it introduced the potential of DA-1726 as a candidate for the treatment of weight loss and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

In obese animal models, researchers confirmed improved weight loss effects compared to the glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) analog, semaglutide, and energy metabolism indicators. Furthermore, obese animal models with hyperglycemia showed tremendous weight loss with similar or higher superior glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) improvement effects compared to semaglutide.

These results likely solve concerns about rising blood sugar levels of oxyntomodulin drugs through balanced activity on the two receptors. In addition, DA-1726 demonstrated no issues with hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia even in normal mice with an empty stomach, according to Dong-A ST.

The non-clinical results for the treatment of NAFLD of DA-1726 showed improved efficacy in NAS (NAFLD activity score), liver fibrosis, hepatic toxicity indicators, and metabolic indicators, which are all indicators for measuring the treatment effectiveness of NAFLD.

"DA-1726 is a novel persistent peptide and has balanced activity against GLP-1 and glucagon receptors, so it is expected to be able to control weight and blood sugar effectively and simultaneously," an official from Dong-A ST said. "In addition to obesity and type 2 diabetes, the results also confirm the potential for NASH treatment."