D&D Pharmatech's Jabopegtide Early Clinical Results Published in The Lancet

48-Week Biopsy Results Published in a World-Renowned Medical Journal

D&D Pharmatech, a company specializing in the development of GLP-1 class novel drugs, announced on July 22 that the initial clinical results (12 weeks) of its candidate therapeutic agent for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), jabopegtide (DD01), which recently produced impressive 48-week biopsy results, have been published in the online edition of the internationally renowned medical journal "The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology."

"The Lancet," along with "The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM)" and "Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)," is recognized as one of the most influential medical journals globally. In particular, "The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology" boasts a top-tier impact factor in the field (IF 39.1) and is well-known for its rigorous validation of clinical efficacy and safety based on real patient data. Publication in this journal indicates that jabopegtide's clinical trial results have secured an objective, global-level credibility.

The published paper is titled "The glucagon and GLP-1 receptor dual agonist DD01 for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and steatohepatitis (DD01-DN-02): 12-week results from a randomized, double-blind, multicentre, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial" and provides a detailed analysis of the 12-week interim results from the Phase 2 clinical trial of jabopegtide. Globally recognized expert in the field of MASH and principal investigator (PI) for this clinical study, Professor Mazen Noureddin, served as lead author, while key research personnel from D&D Pharmatech, including CEO Seulgi Lee, participated as co-authors, demonstrating the company's world-class R&D capability.

This paper serves as scientific evidence supporting the company's recently announced 48-week biopsy results, illustrating that jabopegtide rapidly improved hepatic steatosis, liver stiffness (MRE), and fibrosis biomarkers within just 12 weeks of treatment. Furthermore, these early positive changes in noninvasive tests (NITs) translated into histological improvements at the 48-week mark. In the most recent final Phase 2 clinical results, D&D Pharmatech achieved statistically significant outcomes in all core endpoints required for FDA approval, including MASH resolution, liver fibrosis improvement, and composite indices.

The key outcome of the study is the demonstration that jabopegtide achieves a more rapid hepatic improvement compared to existing MASH therapies and, in contrast to previously reported GLP-1 class agents, delivers a weight-independent therapeutic effect. Whereas GLP-1 class drugs authorized for MASH, such as Wegovy (active ingredient: semaglutide), and dual GLP-1/GIP agonists such as tirzepatide, focus primarily on secondary hepatic improvement via weight loss, jabopegtide directly targets hepatic steatosis through glucagon receptor activity, producing rapid and potent efficacy even in patients with minimal initial weight loss.

In fact, among patients experiencing less than 5% weight reduction over the first 12 weeks of administration, hepatic fat content decreased by 37.4% and liver stiffness improved by 19.2%, thereby substantiating jabopegtide’s liver-targeted effect independent of weight loss. In patients who achieved greater than 5% weight loss, hepatic fat content was reduced by an average of 81.1%, illustrating a maximized synergistic effect with weight reduction.

Additionally, meaningful improvements in major fibrosis biomarkers, combined with weight loss and enhanced glycemic control, confirmed the overall metabolic efficacy of jabopegtide. These positive changes persisted through week 24, followed by significant improvements in liver fibrosis and MASH resolution as validated by the 48-week biopsy. Notably, the biopsy data also showed statistically significant histological improvements even among patients with relatively minor weight loss, reconfirming the clear distinction between jabopegtide and conventional incretin-based therapies whose antifibrotic effects depend largely on significant weight reduction.

Seulgi Lee, CEO of D&D Pharmatech, stated, “This Lancet publication is a crucial scientific basis showing that the recently announced 48-week biopsy outcomes for jabopegtide are supported by the rapid and consistent hepatic improvement observed from the early stages of treatment. Particularly, the statistically significant improvements in steatosis, liver stiffness, and fibrosis markers—regardless of weight loss—underscore jabopegtide’s differentiated mechanism, and we anticipate it will secure competitive advantage in late-stage clinical development and global business development moving forward.”

D&D Pharmatech plans to leverage this publication in The Lancet to further solidify the global academic credibility of jabopegtide and, together with the recently obtained 48-week biopsy results, actively pursue strategic partnerships with global pharmaceutical companies and push ahead with advanced clinical development.

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