MetaVia Highlights Peer-Reviewed Publication Supporting the Anti-Fibrotic Potential of Vanoglipel in MASH

Rhea-AI Summary

MetaVia (Nasdaq: MTVA) announced peer-reviewed preclinical data supporting the anti-fibrotic potential of vanoglipel (DA-1241), a GPR119 agonist, in liver fibrosis and MASH. The publication shows GPR119 agonists reduced liver fibrosis and key fibrotic pathways, while prior Phase 2a data in presumed MASH reported biomarker improvements.

According to MetaVia, vanoglipel treatment produced statistically significant reductions in ALT and TIMP1, and a VCTE change of -10.2% from baseline versus +10.1% for placebo after 16 weeks, along with favorable effects on liver fat, HbA1c and tolerability.

Positive

• Peer-reviewed preclinical data support vanoglipel’s anti-fibrotic potential in liver disease
• Phase 2a MASH study showed statistically significant reductions in ALT and TIMP1
• VCTE liver stiffness change of -10.2% vs +10.1% placebo after 16 weeks
• Signals of favorable effects on liver fat (CAP), HbA1c and tolerability
• Mechanism suggests dual metabolic and anti-fibrotic activity via GPR119 agonism

Negative

• None.

News Market Reaction – MTVA

+53.72% 6.6x vol

61 alerts

+53.72% Session close to close

+56.1% Peak Tracked

-17.5% Trough Tracked

$17.09M Market Cap

6.6x Rel. Volume

In the May 20 session, MTVA gained 53.72%, reflecting a significant positive market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +56.1% during that session. Argus tracked a trough of -17.5% from its starting point during tracking. Our momentum scanner triggered 61 alerts that day, indicating high trading interest and price volatility. Trading volume was exceptionally heavy at 6.6x the daily average, suggesting very strong buying interest.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Market Context

The stock surged +53.7% in the session following this news. A strong positive reaction aligns with t...

Analysis

The stock surged +53.7% in the session following this news. A strong positive reaction aligns with the clearly favorable mechanistic and clinical signals for vanoglipel, including a VCTE change of -10.2% versus +10.1% on placebo. Historically, MetaVia has seen mixed immediate responses to encouraging data, with both aligned and divergent moves. Investors have also faced ongoing losses and financing needs from recent filings, which could temper the durability of a +69.37% move if sentiment shifts back to funding risk.

Key Figures

VCTE change (vanoglipel): -10.2% VCTE change (placebo): +10.1% Treatment duration: 16 weeks

3 metrics

VCTE change (vanoglipel) -10.2% Liver fibrosis by VCTE vs baseline after 16-week vanoglipel treatment

VCTE change (placebo) +10.1% Liver fibrosis by VCTE vs baseline in placebo group after 16 weeks

Treatment duration 16 weeks Phase 2a MASH study treatment period cited for vanoglipel data

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: May 18 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	24h Move	Catalyst
May 18	Conference data preview	Positive	+0.0%	ADA 2026 late-breaking posters on DA-1726 and vanoglipel.
May 14	Quarterly earnings update	Neutral	-6.7%	Q1 2026 financials and clinical progress in obesity and MASH.
May 11	Conference presentation news	Positive	-4.6%	Late-breaking DA-1726 Phase 1 poster acceptance at EASL 2026.
Apr 10	Clinical trial milestone	Positive	+18.5%	First patient dosed in higher-dose DA-1726 Phase 1 Part 3.
Mar 26	Year-end earnings update	Positive	+1.5%	2025 results plus progress for DA-1726 and vanoglipel.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Pattern Detected

Recent pipeline and earnings updates skew positive, with mixed but often aligned price reactions; some clinically positive news saw little or negative immediate impact.

Recent Company History

Over the last six months, MetaVia has focused on obesity agent DA-1726 and MASH candidate vanoglipel, with multiple Phase 1 and Phase 2a updates and upcoming conference presentations. Prior news on higher-dose DA-1726 titration, year-end and Q1 2026 results, and accepted abstracts generally highlighted encouraging weight-loss, metabolic and liver signals. Today’s peer-reviewed preclinical data for vanoglipel in MASH and fibrosis adds mechanistic support to earlier clinical findings, reinforcing the pipeline narrative built across releases since March 2026.

Key Terms

g-protein-coupled receptor 119, gpr119 agonists, hepatic stellate cells, timp1, +2 more

6 terms

g-protein-coupled receptor 119 medical

"a novel G-Protein-Coupled Receptor 119 (GPR119) agonist, in the peer-reviewed"

A G-protein-coupled receptor 119 (GPR119) is a protein located on the surface of certain cells that senses specific chemical signals and triggers internal responses, acting much like a doorbell that alerts a cell to act. Investors care because medicines that activate or block this receptor can change blood sugar and appetite control, so successful drugs or trial results tied to GPR119 can materially affect a biotech or pharmaceutical company's value.

gpr119 agonists medical

"demonstrated that GPR119 agonists reduced liver fibrosis and suppressed key pathways"

GPR119 agonists are investigational drugs that activate a specific cellular switch found mainly in the gut and pancreas to stimulate the release of hormones that lower blood sugar and curb appetite. For investors, they matter because success in showing safe, reliable metabolic benefits can translate into a new class of treatments for diabetes and obesity, affecting a drug developer’s valuation, clinical risk profile, and potential market opportunity.

hepatic stellate cells medical

"Anti-Fibrotic Role of G-Protein-Coupled Receptor 119 in Hepatic Stellate Cells," demonstrated"

Hepatic stellate cells are specialized cells in the liver that store fat and vitamin A when the organ is healthy, but activate and produce scar tissue when the liver is injured. Investors watch them because many new drugs and diagnostics aim to stop or reverse the scarring process they drive—think of them as the liver’s repair crew that can either fix damage or overbuild walls, affecting treatment markets and regulatory outcomes.

timp1 medical

"reductions in ALT levels, and the serum fibrosis marker TIMP1, along with a positive trend"

TIMP1 is a naturally occurring protein that slows down enzymes that break down tissue structure, acting like a brake on cellular “scissors.” Clinically it is measured as a biomarker for inflammation, tissue remodeling, and some cancers, so changes in TIMP1 levels can signal disease progression, treatment response, or the potential market for diagnostics and therapies—information investors use to assess clinical value and commercial opportunity.

vcte medical

"trend in liver fibrosis as measured by VCTE (-10.2% from the baseline vs. +10.1%"

Vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) is a noninvasive imaging test that uses a painless vibration and ultrasound to measure how stiff the liver is, which helps detect scarring (fibrosis) and fat accumulation. Investors watch VCTE because its use affects demand for diagnostic devices, influences trial endpoints and approval pathways for liver drugs, and can change patient treatment rates—think of it like a quick tap that tells you whether a fruit is ripe, guiding buying decisions.

hba1c medical

"CAP score, and improvements in HbA1c and a favorable tolerability profile."

A1c (HbA1c) is a blood test that measures how much sugar has stuck to red blood cells over the past two to three months, giving a single number that reflects average blood glucose control—think of it as a running average score for blood sugar. Investors watch A1c because it’s a common clinical measure used to judge whether diabetes drugs, devices or care programs work, influence regulatory approvals, treatment guidelines and market demand.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- MetaVia Inc. (Nasdaq: MTVA), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on transforming cardiometabolic diseases, today announced the publication of new preclinical research supporting the anti-fibrotic potential of vanoglipel (DA-1241), a novel G-Protein-Coupled Receptor 119 (GPR119) agonist, in the peer-reviewed, international journal, Biomolecules & Therapeutics.

The paper, entitled, "A Novel Anti-Fibrotic Role of G-Protein-Coupled Receptor 119 in Hepatic Stellate Cells," demonstrated that GPR119 agonists reduced liver fibrosis and suppressed key pathways involved in the development of scar tissue in the liver. The findings further support the growing body of evidence highlighting the potential role of GPR119 signaling in metabolic liver disease and fibrosis. The paper can be accessed through the following link.

"These findings provide important independent validation of the therapeutic potential of vanoglipel and reinforce what we observed clinically in our Phase 2a study of patients with presumed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)," said Hyung Heon Kim, President and Chief Executive Officer of MetaVia. "In the trial, patients treated with vanoglipel demonstrated statistically significant reductions in ALT levels, and the serum fibrosis marker TIMP1, along with a positive trend in liver fibrosis as measured by VCTE (-10.2% from the baseline vs. +10.1% for placebo) after 16-week treatment. Vanoglipel also exhibited favorable effects on liver fat as measured by CAP score, and improvements in HbA1c and a favorable tolerability profile. We believe the consistency between these clinical findings and the mechanistic data reported in this publication further supports the differentiated potential of vanoglipel as both a standalone and potential combination treatment approach for patients with MASH and liver fibrosis."

The publication also highlighted the potential differentiated mechanism of GPR119 agonism, suggesting that activation of the pathway may influence both metabolic dysfunction and fibrotic progression. According to the authors, these dual metabolic and anti-fibrotic effects may position GPR119 agonism as a differentiated therapeutic strategy in liver fibrosis and MASH.

About Vanoglipel (DA-1241)
Vanoglipel is a novel G-Protein-Coupled Receptor 119 (GPR119) agonist with development optionality as a standalone and/or combination therapy for both MASH and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Agonism of GPR119 in the gut promotes the release of key gut peptides GLP-1, GIP, and PYY. These peptides play a further role in glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism and weight loss. Vanoglipel has beneficial effects on glucose, lipid profile and liver inflammation, supported by potential efficacy demonstrated during in vivo preclinical studies. The therapeutic potential of vanoglipel has been demonstrated in multiple pre-clinical animal models of MASH and T2D where vanoglipel reduced hepatic steatosis, inflammation, fibrosis, and improved glucose control. Furthermore, in Phase 1a, 1b and 2a trials, vanoglipel was well tolerated in both healthy volunteers and those with T2DM. In a Phase 2a clinical study, vanoglipel demonstrated direct hepatic action in addition to its glucose lowering effects.

About MetaVia
MetaVia Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on transforming cardiometabolic diseases. The company is currently developing DA-1726 for the treatment of obesity, and is developing vanoglipel (DA-1241) for the treatment of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH). DA-1726 is a novel oxyntomodulin (OXM) analogue that functions as a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP1R) and glucagon receptor (GCGR) dual agonist. OXM is a naturally-occurring gut hormone that activates GLP1R and GCGR, thereby decreasing food intake while increasing energy expenditure, thus potentially resulting in superior body weight loss compared to selective GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide. In a Phase 1 multiple ascending dose (MAD) trial in obesity, DA-1726 demonstrated best-in-class potential for weight loss, glucose control, and waist reduction. Vanoglipel is a novel G-protein-coupled receptor 119 (GPR119) agonist that promotes the release of key gut peptides GLP-1, GIP, and PYY. In pre-clinical studies, vanoglipel demonstrated a positive effect on liver inflammation, lipid metabolism, weight loss, and glucose metabolism, reducing hepatic steatosis, hepatic inflammation, and liver fibrosis, while also improving glucose control. In a Phase 2a clinical study, vanoglipel demonstrated direct hepatic action in addition to its glucose lowering effects.

For more information, please visit www.metaviatx.com.

Forward Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "may", "will", "should", "seeks", "approximately", "potential", "intends", "projects", "plans", "estimates" or the negative of these words or other comparable terminology (as well as other words or expressions referencing future events, conditions or circumstances) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including, without limitation, those risks associated with MetaVia's history of net losses, the sufficiency of its existing cash on hand to fund operations and raising additional capital; adverse global economic conditions; MetaVia's ability to execute on its commercial strategy; the ability to obtain regulatory approval through the development steps of MetaVia's current and future product candidates; the ability to realize the benefits of the license agreement with Dong-A ST Co. Ltd., including the impact on future financial and operating results of MetaVia; the cooperation of MetaVia's contract manufacturers, clinical study partners and others involved in the development of MetaVia's current and future product candidates; potential negative interactions between MetaVia's product candidates and any other products with which they are combined for treatment; MetaVia's ability to initiate and complete clinical trials on a timely basis; MetaVia's ability to recruit subjects for its clinical trials; whether MetaVia receives results from MetaVia's clinical trials that are consistent with the results of pre-clinical and previous clinical trials; impact of costs related to the license agreement, known and unknown, including costs of any litigation or regulatory actions relating to the license agreement; the effects of changes in applicable laws, regulations or Nasdaq listing rules; the effects of changes to MetaVia's stock price; and other risks and uncertainties described in MetaVia's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including MetaVia's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date when made. MetaVia does not assume any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Contacts:

MetaVia
Marshall H. Woodworth
Chief Financial Officer
+1-857-299-1033
marshall.woodworth@metaviatx.com

Rx Communications Group
Michael Miller
+1-917-633-6086
mmiller@rxir.com

 

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SOURCE MetaVia Inc.

FAQ

What did MetaVia (MTVA) announce about vanoglipel’s anti-fibrotic potential in May 2026?

MetaVia announced peer-reviewed preclinical research supporting vanoglipel’s anti-fibrotic potential in liver fibrosis and MASH. According to MetaVia, the Biomolecules & Therapeutics paper shows GPR119 agonists reduced liver fibrosis and suppressed key pathways involved in liver scar tissue development.

How does vanoglipel (DA-1241) work as a GPR119 agonist for MASH and liver fibrosis?

Vanoglipel targets G-Protein-Coupled Receptor 119 (GPR119), which may affect metabolic and fibrotic pathways. According to MetaVia, the publication suggests GPR119 agonism could influence both metabolic dysfunction and fibrotic progression, positioning it as a differentiated strategy for MASH and liver fibrosis.

What Phase 2a clinical results did MetaVia report for vanoglipel in presumed MASH patients (MTVA)?

MetaVia reported Phase 2a patients on vanoglipel had statistically significant reductions in ALT and TIMP1. According to MetaVia, VCTE liver stiffness changed -10.2% from baseline versus +10.1% for placebo after 16 weeks, with favorable effects on liver fat, HbA1c and tolerability.

How might vanoglipel’s dual metabolic and anti-fibrotic effects benefit MASH patients?

Vanoglipel may offer dual effects on metabolic dysfunction and fibrosis through GPR119 agonism. According to the publication cited by MetaVia, these combined metabolic and anti-fibrotic actions could make GPR119 agonism a differentiated therapeutic approach in liver fibrosis and MASH.

Why is the peer-reviewed Biomolecules & Therapeutics publication important for MetaVia’s vanoglipel program?

The publication provides independent preclinical support for vanoglipel’s anti-fibrotic potential and mechanism. According to MetaVia, the consistency between mechanistic data and Phase 2a clinical findings strengthens the rationale for vanoglipel as a standalone or combination treatment in MASH and liver fibrosis.