Metsera, the biopharma startup backed by $500 million in venture capital, has released fresh data on its lead obesity candidate, MET-097i. The Phase 1/2 trial results, announced at the company’s investor day, show that the injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist delivered a 7.5% reduction in body weight from baseline by Day 36. The drug’s extended half-life of 380 hours supports once-monthly dosing without titration, positioning it as a potential disruptor in the rapidly growing weight-loss space.
The Data: What’s New
The open-label study enrolled 60 participants with obesity, dividing them into three dosing cohorts. All groups saw statistically significant weight loss, with the highest dose achieving the standout 7.5% reduction by Day 36. Safety data were consistent with other GLP-1 therapies, with nausea and gastrointestinal side effects reported as the most common adverse events. However, no serious adverse events were noted in the trial.
Adding to its momentum, Metsera recently released updated findings from its ongoing study, showing that MET-097i achieved an 11% reduction in body weight after 12 weeks. This places the candidate closer to the efficacy range of Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide and Eli Lilly’s tirzepatide, both dominant players in the obesity market. Additionally, the new data reinforced the safety profile and highlighted that the once-monthly dosing regimen was well-tolerated, positioning MET-097i as a strong contender for improving patient adherence.
However, tolerability remains a looming question mark. Early trends suggest that co-agonists like tirzepatide—which combine GLP-1 agonism with additional mechanisms—might offer fewer side effects compared to standalone GLP-1 therapies like MET-097i. If gastrointestinal issues prove more pronounced, this could limit MET-097i’s appeal despite its convenience-focused dosing regimen.
Metsera’s leadership appears confident in their trajectory. With a Phase 2 trial already underway, the next milestone will be critical as the company prepares for preliminary results expected in mid-2025. The convenience of a no-titration, once-monthly dosing schedule could distinguish MET-097i in a competitive field.
How Does It Stack Up?
MET-097i’s data will inevitably draw comparisons to Eli Lilly’s tirzepatide, Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide, and other heavyweights in the space. Both tirzepatide and semaglutide boast robust efficacy profiles, with some patients achieving over 20% weight loss. But Metsera’s bet on convenience—fewer injections, simpler dosing—could make a strong case in a market increasingly driven by patient preferences.
While the 11% weight loss data is promising, analysts caution that achieving double-digit percentages is no longer the differentiator it once was. The bar for breakthrough therapies in this field continues to rise, and the market’s appetite leans heavily toward therapies delivering 15%-20% reductions or more.
What About the Pipeline?
Metsera isn’t putting all its eggs in one basket. The company is also advancing MET-233i, an ultra-long-acting injectable amylin analog designed for combination therapy with MET-097i. Early clinical trials are expected to report data in 2025. The company’s proprietary MOMENTUM™ platform, which focuses on oral peptide delivery, has also initiated trials for MET-002, an oral GLP-1 receptor agonist peptide.
These pipeline assets suggest Metsera’s broader strategy: build a portfolio of differentiated weight-loss options targeting both injectable and oral markets. Whether this multi-pronged approach will succeed in carving out market share remains an open question.
The Big Picture
The obesity market is projected to reach $54 billion by 2030, fueled by a growing global epidemic and high-profile endorsements from Hollywood and social media influencers. Yet competition is fierce, with companies like Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Pfizer already staking substantial claims.
For Metsera, the road ahead will hinge on Phase 2 results for MET-097i. If the drug can maintain or improve its efficacy profile while retaining its safety and simplicity, the startup could find itself an attractive acquisition target. But in a landscape where 15% to 20% weight loss is becoming the new benchmark, anything short of that risks being a hard sell.
Closing Thoughts
Metsera’s early success is a reminder of the innovation still driving the obesity space. The company’s combination of cutting-edge science and substantial financial backing positions it well to make an impact—but whether that impact will translate into market success remains to be seen. For now, the industry will be watching MET-097i closely, looking for signs that Metsera can not only compete but truly lead.
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