Collaborative program with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs aims to validate GDNF as a first-in-class biologic for obesity and hepatic health.
NEW YORK, Oct. 27, 2025 — Hoth Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: HOTH), a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing breakthrough therapies for metabolic, dermatologic, and inflammatory diseases, today announced the initiation of a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)–backed study evaluating the potential of glial cell line–derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF)as a novel therapy for obesity and fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis).
The program, led by Dr. Srinivasan and her research team at the Atlanta VA Medical Center, will explore the ability of GDNF to induce weight loss and promote resolution of fatty liver disease through metabolic and neurotrophic mechanisms.
“We’re honored to work alongside the VA on this important initiative,” said Robb Knie, Chief Executive Officer of Hoth Therapeutics. “Metabolic disease and obesity continue to impact millions of people globally. By targeting both neural and metabolic pathways, GDNF could represent an entirely new class of biologic therapy for obesity and related liver conditions. We’re excited about the early momentum this study brings.”
Study Timeline and Objectives
The program is structured under Aim 1 of the approved Statement of Work (SOW), with key milestones as follows:
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October 2025 – Initiate high-fat and control diet groups
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December 2025 – Begin GDNF and comparator dosing
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January 2026 – Collect tissue samples and perform data analysis
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Q1 2026– Initial results expected
Positive data could support IND-enabling development of a first-in-class biologic addressing both obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)—representing one of the largest and fastest-growing therapeutic markets globally.
About Hoth Therapeutics, Inc.
Hoth Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative, impactful, and ground-breaking treatments with a goal to improve patient quality of life. We are a catalyst in early-stage pharmaceutical research and development, elevating drugs from the bench to pre-clinical and clinical testing. Utilizing a patient-centric approach, we collaborate and partner with a team of scientists, clinicians, and key opinion leaders to seek out and investigate therapeutics that hold immense potential to create breakthroughs and diversify treatment options. To learn more, please visit https://ir.hoththerapeutics.com/.