Altasciences, a full-service early-phase contract research organization, is proud to have partnered with Metsera, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to advancing next-generation therapies for obesity and metabolic diseases. This collaboration has been pivotal in supporting the development of innovative treatments, including the recent Phase I/II clinical trial of MET-097i, an ultra-long-acting injectable and fully biased GLP-1 receptor agonist.
In September 2024, Metsera announced positive topline results from the Phase I/II trial conducted at Altasciences’ facility. The trial demonstrated that MET-097i achieved a 7.5% reduction in body weight from baseline by day 36, just one week after the final dose. This promising data, combined with a 380-hour half-life, showcases the potential of MET-097i as an effective obesity treatment. The success of this trial has allowed Metsera to initiate a randomized 16-week Phase II trial to further evaluate the efficacy and safety of MET-097i.
Altasciences’ contribution to Metsera’s drug development journey extended beyond clinical execution. The organization provided its Proactive Drug Development solution, which encompasses a wide array of services, including nonclinical research, bioanalysis, contract research operations (CRO), and program management. This comprehensive approach has played a critical role in supporting Metsera’s pipeline of innovative therapies. Over the past six months, Altasciences completed essential nonclinical studies for additional candidates, such as:
- MET-233i: An ultra-long-acting injectable amylin analog.
- MET-002: An oral GLP-1 receptor agonist peptide.
The nonclinical milestones achieved for these candidates have enabled Metsera to progress both into clinical trials within the same year, marking significant strides in the development of novel obesity treatments.
Ingrid Holmes, Vice President of Global Clinical Operations at Altasciences, expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership:
“Congratulations to Metsera on reaching this important milestone with MET-097i. Metsera has been a highly valued partner, and we are proud to contribute to programs aimed at addressing the complex and widespread challenges of obesity.”
The Growing Need for Innovative Obesity Treatments
Obesity remains one of the most pressing global health challenges, affecting millions of individuals and serving as a significant risk factor for a variety of life-threatening conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain forms of cancer. The development of innovative treatments, such as MET-097i, has the potential to transform care for individuals struggling with obesity-related illnesses.
GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as MET-097i, are gaining attention for their ability to help regulate appetite, glucose metabolism, and body weight. The ultra-long-acting nature of MET-097i, as demonstrated by its 380-hour half-life, underscores its potential to improve patient compliance and outcomes compared to shorter-acting therapies.
Altasciences’ Role in Early-Phase Drug Development
Altasciences is renowned for its integrated approach to early-phase drug development, combining expertise in clinical trials, nonclinical research, bioanalysis, and project management to accelerate the path from discovery to proof-of-concept. Its collaboration with Metsera exemplifies how Altasciences provides tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of emerging biopharmaceutical companies, enabling them to overcome the complex challenges of developing first-in-class treatments.
By fostering partnerships like this, Altasciences plays a vital role in expediting the availability of groundbreaking therapies, empowering companies like Metsera to innovate and address urgent public health needs.
Looking Ahead
With MET-097i advancing into its Phase II trial and other candidates such as MET-233i and MET-002 entering clinical evaluation, the partnership between Altasciences and Metsera continues to build momentum. The promising results of MET-097i offer hope for millions of individuals living with obesity, representing a step forward in the fight against this pervasive condition.
