Metagenomi Inc. reported breakthrough preclinical data for its lead gene therapy candidate MGX-001, demonstrating curative factor VIII (FVIII) activity in non-human primates for the treatment of hemophilia A. The dose range finding study results support the company's decision to advance MGX-001 into clinical development, with a pre-IND meeting expected in the fourth quarter of 2025 and IND/CTA submissions planned for the fourth quarter of 2026.
The in vivo genome editing company announced these results alongside its third quarter 2025 financial results on November 11, 2025, revealing a strategic pivot to focus resources on its most advanced programs while reducing its workforce by 25%.
Promising Preclinical Results Drive Clinical Strategy
The new MGX-001 data demonstrated curative FVIII activity in non-human primates and informed a clinical dose regimen strategy for what the company describes as a therapy with "best-in-class treatment potential." MGX-001 is designed to provide curative, life-long protection from bleeding events and joint damage in adults and children with hemophilia A through targeted genome editing and durable gene expression in a one-time treatment.
"In light of the encouraging preclinical MGX-001 hemophilia A results we reported today, we made the decision to strategically reprioritize our pipeline and discovery efforts to focus resources on driving forward our lead program for hemophilia A," said Jian Irish, Ph.D., M.B.A., who was promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer.
Strategic Pipeline Prioritization
Metagenomi has strategically evolved its pipeline to focus on three key areas: the wholly-owned MGX-001 hemophilia A program, other secreted protein disorders leveraging the MGX-001 site-specific genome integration system, and cardiometabolic indications developed in collaboration with Ionis. The company is on track to achieve non-human primate proof-of-concept data for its lead secreted protein deficiency target in 2025.
For its cardiometabolic programs, Metagenomi plans to nominate one development candidate from four Wave 1 collaboration targets in 2025, with IND-enabling activities for the nominated candidate and additional development candidate nominations from remaining Wave 1 targets planned for 2026.
Leadership Transition and Financial Position
The company implemented significant organizational changes, with Jian Irish, Ph.D., M.B.A., promoted from President and Chief Operating Officer to Chief Executive Officer. Brian Thomas, Ph.D., the company's founder and former CEO, will remain on the Board of Directors, while Willard Dere, M.D., will serve as the new Board Chair.
"She brings a wealth of experience having held development and global operations positions with Kite Pharma / Gilead, Sanofi and Amgen, and having played key roles in the launch of several breakthrough medicines," said Dr. Dere regarding Irish's appointment.
The 25% workforce reduction and revised capital allocation strategy are anticipated to extend the company's cash runway into the fourth quarter of 2027. As of September 30, 2025, Metagenomi reported cash, cash equivalents, and available-for-sale marketable securities of $184.1 million.
Addressing Significant Unmet Medical Need
Hemophilia A represents a substantial market opportunity, with prevalence estimated at up to 26,500 patients in the United States and more than 500,000 patients globally according to the World Federation of Hemophilia. The X-linked inherited bleeding disorder is caused by mutations in the FVIII gene leading to loss of functional FVIII protein, with intracranial bleeding representing the greatest concern due to potential major morbidity and mortality.
Financial Performance
For the third quarter of 2025, Metagenomi reported research and development expenses of $25.3 million, compared to $26.3 million in the comparable period of 2024. General and administrative expenses decreased to $6.2 million from $7.6 million year-over-year. The company reported a net loss of $20.4 million for the quarter, compared to $18.8 million in the third quarter of 2024.
Collaboration revenue for the quarter was $8.7 million, down from $11.5 million in the prior year period, reflecting the company's strategic focus on wholly-owned programs rather than early-stage discovery collaborations.
