MetaVia (MTVA): DA-1726 Phase 1b Data Reinforce Lead Asset as Core Value Driver and Support Buy Rating in Competitive GLP-1 Obesity Landscape

Analyst Andrew Fein from H.C. Wainwright maintained a Buy rating on MetaVia and decreased the price target to $40.00 from $132.00.

Andrew Fein has given his Buy rating due to a combination of factors related to MetaVia’s lead asset, DA-1726, and its positioning in a competitive GLP-1 obesity market. He views the Phase 1b 8‑week data as consistent with expectations while still demonstrating competitive weight-loss efficacy and statistically significant waist reduction, which supports the idea that the glucagon component may contribute to deeper visceral fat loss. Despite intensifying pressure from established and emerging oral and injectable GLP-1 therapies, he argues that DA-1726’s profile—particularly its rapid onset of effect without the need for complex dose titration—could offer a practical advantage for patient adherence and for those switching from other regimens. He also highlights the emerging liver-related signal (reduction in liver stiffness) as an early, hypothesis-generating indicator that DA-1726 could be leveraged beyond obesity into metabolic and liver disease settings, broadening its potential commercial footprint.

Fein underscores that the Phase 1b results reinforce DA-1726 as the central value driver for MTVA, supporting the strategic vision of positioning the drug not merely as another GLP-1 monotherapy, but potentially as a backbone in combination or liver-focused regimens. The safety and tolerability profile, with no treatment-related discontinuations and only mild-to-moderate gastrointestinal events, further strengthens confidence in ongoing dose-escalation plans and in a simplified titration strategy designed to differentiate MetaVia’s offering in real-world practice. Planned 16‑week titration studies (including higher-dose regimens) with data expected in late 2026 provide additional catalysts that could validate and extend the current efficacy and durability narrative. Together with model updates following corporate actions such as the reverse stock split and share repurchase, these clinical and strategic elements support his continued positive outlook on MetaVia’s shares and underpin his Buy recommendation.

According to TipRanks, Fein is a top 100 analyst with an average return of 30.4% and a 56.57% success rate. Fein covers the Healthcare sector, focusing on stocks such as Prothena, Wave Life Sciences, and AC Immune SA.