NeuroBo Pharmaceuticals Completes Enrollment of the SAD Part 1 of Its Phase 1 Clinical Trial Evaluating DA-1726 for the Treatment of Obesity

Rhea-AI Summary

NeuroBo Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: NRBO) has completed enrollment for Part 1 of its Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating DA-1726, a novel dual oxyntomodulin analog agonist for obesity treatment. The single ascending dose (SAD) study enrolled 45 participants across 5 cohorts. No significant issues were encountered, allowing an accelerated start to the multiple ascending dose (MAD) Part 2.

Key points:

• Top-line data from SAD Part 1 expected in Q3 2024
• MAD Part 2 results anticipated in Q1 2025
• Pre-clinical data showed superior weight loss compared to semaglutide and tirzepatide
• DA-1726 may become a best-in-class obesity drug with better tolerability
• Part 3 of the trial planned to start in Q3 2025, with interim data expected mid-2026 and top-line results in H2 2026

Positive

• Completed enrollment for Phase 1 SAD Part 1 clinical trial of DA-1726 for obesity treatment
• Accelerated start of MAD Part 2 due to no significant issues in SAD study
• Pre-clinical data showed superior weight loss compared to semaglutide and tirzepatide
• Potential for DA-1726 to become a best-in-class obesity drug with better tolerability
• On track with estimated timelines for clinical trial progress and data readouts

Negative

• None.

Insights

Medical Research Analyst

The completion of enrollment in the SAD Part 1 of NeuroBo's Phase 1 trial for DA-1726 is a significant milestone in obesity treatment research. Key points:

• No major issues encountered, allowing for an accelerated start to MAD Part 2
• Pre-clinical data suggests superior weight loss compared to semaglutide and similar efficacy to tirzepatide with higher food intake
• DA-1726 shows promise in preserving lean body mass and improving glucose control

These findings indicate potential for DA-1726 to become a best-in-class obesity drug with improved tolerability. However, it's important to await human trial results to confirm these pre-clinical observations.

Financial Analyst

NeuroBo's progress with DA-1726 could have substantial market implications:

• The obesity treatment market is projected to reach $54 billion by 2030
• Accelerated trial progress may lead to earlier market entry, potentially capturing market share from established players
• If DA-1726 proves superior to current treatments, it could disrupt the market, impacting competitors like Novo Nordisk (Wegovy) and Eli Lilly (Zepbound)

However, investors should note that success in Phase 1 doesn't guarantee FDA approval. The timeline to potential commercialization is still lengthy, with top-line results expected in 2026.

Biotechnology Expert

DA-1726's dual agonist mechanism, targeting both GLP1R and GCGR, is a promising approach in obesity treatment. This strategy could offer advantages:

• Enhanced efficacy: Potential for greater weight loss and metabolic improvements
• Improved tolerability: Balanced receptor activation may reduce side effects
• Metabolic benefits: Possible improvements in glucose control and lipid profiles

The preservation of lean body mass is particularly noteworthy, as it addresses a common concern with weight loss treatments. However, it's important to see if these benefits translate from pre-clinical to human studies, as many promising candidates fail this transition.

No Significant Issues Encountered During the Single Ascending Dose (SAD) Study, Allowing for Previously Reported Accelerated Start to Multiple Ascending Dose (MAD) Part 2

Top Line Data Readout from SAD Part 1 Expected in the Third Quarter of 2024, and from the MAD Part 2 in the First Quarter of 2025

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Aug. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- NeuroBo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: NRBO), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on transforming cardiometabolic diseases, today announced the completion of enrollment of the single ascending dose (SAD) Part 1 of its Phase 1 clinical trial of DA-1726, a novel, dual oxyntomodulin (OXM) analog agonist that functions as a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP1R) and glucagon receptor (GCGR), for the treatment of obesity. A total of 45 participants have been enrolled and randomized into one of 5 cohorts, with each cohort having been randomized in a 6:3 ratio of DA-1726 to placebo.

"Completion of enrollment in Part 1 of this Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating DA-1726 for the treatment of obesity marks the achievement of yet another key milestone for NeuroBo and reflects our ongoing commitment to transforming the treatment of cardiometabolic diseases with differentiated therapies," stated Hyung Heon Kim, President and Chief Executive Officer of NeuroBo. "Notably, we encountered no significant issues during the SAD study, allowing us to begin the multiple ascending dose (MAD) study ahead of schedule. As previously reported, strong pre-clinical data has shown superior weight loss with DA-1726 versus semaglutide (Wegovy®) and similar weight reduction while consuming more food compared to tirzepatide (Zepbound®). Data presented at the American Diabetes Association 84^th Scientific Sessions showed that DA-1726 demonstrated superior weight loss compared to survodutide, a drug with the same mechanism of action, while also demonstrating retention of relative lean body mass preservation compared to survodutide while also exhibiting superior glucose lowering. These factors lead us to believe that DA-1726 may eventually become a best-in-class obesity drug with a better tolerability profile than currently marketed GLP-1 agonists, and those now in late-stage clinical trials, based on its balanced activation of GLP1R and glucagon receptors, while increasing energy expenditure."

Mr. Kim continued, "Our estimated timelines for this program remain unchanged. We expect to report top-line data from the SAD Part 1 portion of the Phase 1 clinical trial in the third quarter of this year and top-line data from the MAD Part 2 in the first quarter of 2025. Further, upon clearance of an updated Investigational New Drug (IND) application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), we expect to dose the first patient in the planned Part 3 of the trial during the third quarter of 2025, providing an interim data readout in or around mid-2026 and issuing top-line results in the second half of 2026."

The Phase 1 trial is currently designed to be a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study to investigate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) of single and multiple ascending doses of DA-1726 in obese, otherwise healthy subjects. Part 2, currently enrolling subjects, is designed as a MAD study, and is expected to enroll approximately 36 participants, who will be randomized at the same 6:3 ratio into 4 planned cohorts, each to receive 4 weekly administrations of DA-1726 or placebo. The first patient in the MAD study was dosed ahead of schedule, in late June, as previously reported.

The primary endpoint of the Phase 1 trial will assess the safety and tolerability of DA-1726 by monitoring adverse events (AEs), serious adverse events (SAEs), treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and AEs leading to treatment discontinuation. Secondary endpoints include the PK of DA-1726, assessed via serum concentrations over time and metabolite profiling at the highest doses of DA-1726. Exploratory endpoints will include the effect of DA-1726 on metabolic parameters, cardiac parameters, fasting lipid levels, body weight, waist circumference and body mass index (BMI), among others.

For more information on this clinical trial, please visit: www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT06252220.

About DA-1726
DA-1726 is a novel oxyntomodulin (OXM) analogue functioning as a GLP1R/GCGR dual agonist for the treatment of obesity and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH) that is to be administered once weekly subcutaneously. DA-1726 acts as a dual agonist of GLP-1 receptors (GLP1R) and glucagon receptors (GCGR), leading to weight loss through reduced appetite and increased energy expenditure. DA-1726 has a well understood mechanism and, in pre-clinical mice models, resulted in improved weight loss compared to semaglutide and cotadutide (another OXM analogue). Additionally, in pre-clinical mouse models, DA-1726 elicited similar weight reduction, while consuming more food, compared tirzepatide and survodutide, while also preserving lean body mass and demonstrating improved lipid-lowering effects compared to survodutide.

About NeuroBo Pharmaceuticals
NeuroBo Pharmaceuticals, 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 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 GLP1R agonists. DA-1241 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, DA-1241 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.

For more information, please visit www.neurobopharma.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 NeuroBo's ability to execute on its commercial strategy; the timeline for regulatory submissions; the ability to obtain regulatory approval through the development steps of NeuroBo'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 NeuroBo; the cooperation of NeuroBo's contract manufacturers, clinical study partners and others involved in the development of NeuroBo's current and future product candidates; potential negative interactions between NeuroBo's product candidates and any other products with which they are combined for treatment; NeuroBo's ability to initiate and complete clinical trials on a timely basis; NeuroBo's ability to recruit subjects for its clinical trials; whether NeuroBo receives results from NeuroBo'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 or regulations; the effects of changes to NeuroBo's stock price on the terms of the license agreement and any future fundraising; and other risks and uncertainties described in NeuroBo's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including NeuroBo's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date when made. NeuroBo 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:

NeuroBo Pharmaceuticals
Marshall H. Woodworth
Chief Financial Officer
+1-857-299-1033
marshall.woodworth@neurobopharma.com

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

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SOURCE NeuroBo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

FAQ

What are the expected data readout timelines for NeuroBo's DA-1726 Phase 1 trial (NRBO)?

NeuroBo expects to report top-line data from the SAD Part 1 in Q3 2024, MAD Part 2 in Q1 2025, and top-line results from Part 3 in H2 2026, with an interim readout around mid-2026.

How many participants were enrolled in the SAD Part 1 of NeuroBo's DA-1726 Phase 1 trial (NRBO)?

A total of 45 participants were enrolled and randomized into 5 cohorts for the SAD Part 1 of the Phase 1 trial evaluating DA-1726 for obesity treatment.

What is the primary endpoint of NeuroBo's DA-1726 Phase 1 trial for obesity (NRBO)?

The primary endpoint of the Phase 1 trial is to assess the safety and tolerability of DA-1726 by monitoring adverse events, serious adverse events, treatment emergent adverse events, and events leading to treatment discontinuation.

How does DA-1726 compare to other obesity treatments in pre-clinical studies (NRBO)?

Pre-clinical data showed DA-1726 demonstrated superior weight loss compared to semaglutide (Wegovy®) and similar weight reduction with more food consumption compared to tirzepatide (Zepbound®). It also showed better performance than survodutide in weight loss and glucose lowering.