META-1

META-1 (also known as DBDA or MP-5342) is a first-in-class, highly selective oral small molecule inhibitor of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Developed by META Pharmaceuticals, it targets the metabolic pathways of immune cells, a field known as immunometabolism. By inhibiting LDH, META-1 modulates cellular metabolism to treat autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. It is currently in the IND-enabling stage for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with potential applications in multiple sclerosis and primary biliary cholangitis. META-1 represents the lead candidate from the company's innovative immunometabolism platform and is described as the world's first highly selective oral LDH small-molecule inhibitor with favorable in vivo drug-like properties.