Glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) developer D&D Pharmatech’s U.S. partner, Metsera, released results from a phase 1 trial of MET097, its long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist injection on Friday. 

According to Metsera, MET097 showed an average 7.5 percent weight reduction over 36 days, which is comparable to or better than the results typically seen in GLP-1/GIP dual agonist drugs, which are known for their enhanced weight-loss effects.

The trial, conducted on 125 non-diabetic adults with obesity or overweight, confirmed weight loss across various doses and demonstrated a half-life of about 380 hours, making MET097 a strong candidate for once-monthly dosing. 

“That could significantly improve patient convenience,” a Metsera official said. Metsera plans to initiate a phase 2b trial by the end of this year, aiming to present data in the first half of 2025.

Metsera has also acquired six oral peptide candidates from D&D Pharmatech in 2023 and 2024, focusing on next-generation oral GLP-1 therapies for obesity. D&D Pharmatech’s ORALINK platform, which allows peptide-based drugs traditionally delivered by injection to be taken orally, is integral to Metsera’s oral drug development pipeline. 

All oral products developed by Metsera are based on D&D Pharmatech's innovations, including a triple-acting agent (GLP-1/GCG/GIP) currently in preclinical development. Among D&D Pharmatech’s injectable products, a triple-action GLP-1/GCG/GIP drug with a long half-life similar to MET097 is in preclinical development, with clinical trials anticipated soon.

“Despite high market demand, the biggest challenge in developing oral GLP-1 peptide drugs lies in overcoming the technical barriers that prevent sufficient absorption in the body,” a D&D Pharmatech official said. 

Currently, Novo Nordisk’s Rybelsus (semaglutide) tablets are the only commercialized oral GLP-1 drug approved for diabetes type 2 treatment. 

However, D&D Pharmatech's ORALINK platform has demonstrated a 10-times higher absorption than Rybelsus in animal studies, showing potential promise for obesity treatment, and ten-times higher absorption than Rybelsus in animal studies, is showing promise for obesity treatment. Under Metsera’s leadership, the goal is to enter phase 1 clinical trials by the end of this year.

D&D Pharmatech added that, through joint research with Metsera, it actively explores additional peptide candidates. 

By combining Metsera’s technology, which significantly extends the half-life of peptides, with D&D Pharmatech's ORALINK, which enhances absorption, the two companies are working to accelerate the development of oral GLP-1, dual-acting (GLP-1/GIP), and triple-acting (GLP-1/GCG/GIP) agents, with new clinical trials targeted as early as next year, the company added.