Hoth Therapeutics partners with VA to test GDNF therapy for obesity

NEW YORK - Hoth Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOTH), a small-cap biotech company with a market capitalization of $17.44 million and an impressive 76% gain year-to-date according to InvestingPro, announced Tuesday a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Foundation for Atlanta Veterans Education and Research to evaluate GDNF (glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor) as a potential therapy for obesity and fatty liver disease.

The study, to be conducted at the Atlanta VA Medical Center, will compare daily GDNF injections against semaglutide in both diet-induced obese mice and human liver chimeric mouse models.

The research will follow two main tracks: one examining Western diet-fed mice treated with GDNF versus placebo and semaglutide, tracking weight loss and metabolic markers; and another administering GDNF to human hepatocyte-engrafted mice to assess liver-specific effects.

Under the agreement, Hoth will fund the study and supply the GDNF compound, while the VA will retain data rights and share de-identified results according to CRADA terms. The company appears well-positioned to support this research initiative, with InvestingPro data showing a strong current ratio of 15.08 and more cash than debt on its balance sheet.

"This landmark agreement allows a real-world, controlled comparison of GDNF’s metabolic effects alongside semaglutide – the current gold standard," said Robb Knie, CEO of Hoth Therapeutics, according to the press release.

GDNF has previously demonstrated ability to reduce body weight and hepatic lipid accumulation in transgenic models, enhance insulin sensitivity, and promote fatty acid oxidation. The compound has also shown clinical safety in previous human trials for Parkinson’s disease.

The study represents the first pharmacologic test of GDNF in human liver-engrafted mice, potentially setting groundwork for metabolic applications beyond central nervous system indications.

All study protocols are IRB-approved and comply with VA and federal research ethics standards, according to the company’s statement. With an overall Financial Health score rated as GOOD by InvestingPro, which offers 8 additional key insights about the company’s financial position and growth prospects, Hoth appears prepared to advance this promising research program.

In other recent news, Hoth Therapeutics, Inc. and Silo Pharma, Inc. have announced the formation of a 50/50 joint venture to develop an obesity treatment. This venture is based on a technology licensed exclusively from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, utilizing Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF), which has shown promising anti-obesity effects in preclinical models. The technology aims to address conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes, and central obesity. Additionally, Hoth Therapeutics reported positive results from its Phase 2a clinical trial for HT-001, a treatment for skin toxicities caused by cancer drugs. The trial demonstrated that 100% of patients achieved at least one primary endpoint, with significant improvements in pain and itching. Furthermore, Hoth Therapeutics has regained compliance with Nasdaq’s minimum bid price requirement, having maintained a stock price above $1.00 for 10 consecutive trading sessions. These developments reflect the ongoing progress and strategic initiatives of both Hoth Therapeutics and Silo Pharma.

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