Medication Report: DD-01
Name: DD-01
Name (English): DD-01
Developer: D&D Pharmatech
Mechanism of Action: Dual agonist of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and glucagon receptors.
Modality: Peptide/Protein
Route of Administration: Injection
Half-life: 7-8 days (in obese/overweight patients with T2D and MASLD)
Current Development Phase: Phase 2
Highest Development Phases:
- Phase II: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) / Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), Obesity
- Phase I: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)
Indication:
- Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) / Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
- Obesity
- Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
- Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)
Clinical Trial Status: Active, not recruiting (Phase 2 trial in MASH)
Description: DD-01 is a proprietary, once-weekly dual agonist of GLP-1 and glucagon receptors. It is liver-targeted and has shown in studies to rapidly reduce hepatic steatosis, improve glycemic control, and reduce body weight. Unlike some other treatments for MASH, DD-01 does not require lengthy titration to reach therapeutic levels.
Key Findings from Studies:
- In a Phase 1 study, DD-01 was well-tolerated in overweight/obese patients with Type 2 diabetes and MASLD.
- Following 4 weeks of treatment (40 mg and 80 mg doses), it resulted in a mean relative reduction of >50% liver fat content by MRI-PDFF.
- Improvements were observed in HbA1c, liver enzymes (AST/ALT), serum lipids, and modest weight loss.
- Preclinical studies in obese mice and monkeys showed DD-01 to be more effective than diet or GLP-1 treatment alone in reducing liver fat and weight.
Regulatory Status: FDA Fast Track designation for the treatment of adults with MASH.
Latest News:
- Patient enrollment completed for a 48-week Phase 2 trial evaluating the effectiveness of DD-01 in the treatment of MASH (February 2025).
- Initiation of dosing in a Phase 2 trial in overweight/obese subjects with MASLD/MASH (August 2024).
- FDA granted Fast Track designation for the treatment of NASH/MASH (April 2024).
Note: Top-line 12-week efficacy and safety results from the Phase 2 MASH trial are expected in late Q2 2025.