Hoth Therapeutics Signs VA Research Deal to Advance GDNF as Breakthrough Therapy for Obesity and Fatty Liver - Side-by-Side Study vs. Semaglutide Begins

Core Viewpoint - Hoth Therapeutics, Inc. has entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Foundation for Atlanta Veterans Education and Research to evaluate GDNF as a novel metabolic therapy for obesity and hepatic steatosis [1][4]. Study Overview - The study will compare daily GDNF injections against semaglutide in diet-induced obese mice and human liver chimeric mouse models, which are considered a gold-standard translational platform [2]. - The study is titled "Efficacy of Parenteral GDNF Administration in the Induction of Weight Loss and Resolution of Hepatic Steatosis" and has received IRB approval, adhering to VA and federal research ethics standards [3]. Deal Structure & Value - Hoth Therapeutics will fund the study and supply GDNF, while the VA will retain data rights and share de-identified results in compliance with HIPAA [6]. - The agreement represents the first pharmacologic test of GDNF in human liver-engrafted mice, potentially paving the way for first-in-class metabolic applications beyond central nervous system indications [4][6]. Scientific Rationale - GDNF has shown the ability to reduce body weight and hepatic lipid accumulation in previous transgenic models, enhance insulin sensitivity, and promote fatty acid oxidation [6]. - Clinical safety of GDNF has been demonstrated in prior human trials related to Parkinson's disease [6]. Company Background - Hoth Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative treatments aimed at improving patient quality of life [5][7].