Inventiva receives financial boost for Phase III study on MASH medication

Inventiva has secured financing of up to 348 million euros to complete the pivotal Phase III study for its promising drug lanifibranor, which is intended for use against metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). This funding comes from multiple capital tranches, with an initial 103.4 million dollars directly flowing into the coffers of the French biotech company. A significant portion of the funds will be used to complete the ongoing Phase III study, which is currently in an advanced stage. The study, named NATiV3, is investigating the long-term efficacy and safety of lanifibranor in adults with fructose-driven, non-cirrhotic MASH. About 1,000 patients are expected to participate across 494 sites. Preparation for market approval applications and subsequent marketing of the drug will also benefit from the financial boost. On a positive note, the MASH drug landscape is seeing increased interest. Recently, Madrigal Pharmaceuticals received the first FDA approval for a MASH drug. Lanifibranor, as a pan-PPAR agonist, has already shown promising results in previous studies and could prove to be a valuable addition to existing treatment options. The transaction was led by renowned investors such as New Enterprise Associates and Samsara BioCapital. Dr. Mark Pruzanski will serve as the new chairman of the company, while Samsara founder Srinivas Akkaraju will join the board as a director. With this move, Inventiva reinforces its confidence in lanifibranor as a potential breakthrough in the treatment of MASH. The company’s leadership emphasizes the support of the investors and partners as a testament to the drug's potential.