French-based Inventiva just landed a massive cash injection to fuel their fight against a silent liver killer. The biotech firm announced securing €116 million ($127 million) in a second tranche of financing for their advanced clinical trial testing lanifibranor, a potential treatment for MASH – metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis.
MASH affects millions worldwide but remains largely unknown to the public. This serious liver condition occurs when fat builds up in the liver, causing inflammation and damage. Unlike alcohol-related liver disease, MASH strikes people who drink little or no alcohol, often linked to obesity and diabetes.
“This significant financing milestone allows us to advance our pivotal NATiV3 Phase 3 clinical trial of lanifibranor in MASH,” said Frédéric Cren, CEO and co-founder of Inventiva. The funding comes primarily from European Investment Bank loans and convertible bonds from existing investors.
The NATiV3 trial represents a critical step in bringing a potential treatment to patients currently lacking FDA-approved options. Researchers are evaluating if lanifibranor can effectively reduce liver inflammation and prevent progression to more serious conditions like cirrhosis or liver failure.
Industry analysts view this development with cautious optimism. The global MASH treatment market could reach $20-$35 billion by 2030, according to recent healthcare sector reports. Several pharmaceutical companies are racing to develop effective treatments, but Inventiva’s lanifibranor has shown promising results in earlier trials.
The financing structure includes €25 million from the European Investment Bank as part of the InvestEU program, aimed at supporting innovation in healthcare. Additional funds come from a combination of convertible bonds and equity investments from healthcare-focused investment groups.
“The commitment from investors demonstrates confidence in both the science behind lanifibranor and the growing recognition of MASH as a serious public health concern,” noted Michael Davidson, healthcare analyst at Cooper Financial Group. “However, Phase 3 trials remain challenging, with many promising candidates failing at this final hurdle.”
Patient advocacy groups welcome the news. Sarah Jenkins from the Global Liver Foundation commented, “MASH patients have waited too long for treatment options. Every advancement in clinical research brings hope to millions suffering silently with this condition.”
The NATiV3 trial is currently enrolling patients across multiple countries, with results expected in 2025. If successful, Inventiva could submit for regulatory approval shortly thereafter, potentially bringing the first specifically approved MASH treatment to market.
The company’s stock rose 5.8% following the announcement, reflecting investor confidence in the trial’s potential. However, market watchers caution that biotech investments remain highly speculative, especially for single-product companies whose fortunes depend entirely on clinical trial outcomes.
Beyond the immediate financial implications, this funding represents growing recognition of metabolic liver disease as a major health challenge. With obesity rates climbing globally, MASH cases continue to increase, creating urgent need for effective interventions.
Dr. Robert Langford, hepatologist at Northeast Medical Center, explains: “What makes MASH particularly concerning is its silent progression. Patients often have no symptoms until significant liver damage has occurred, making early intervention crucial.”
Inventiva’s approach targets multiple aspects of the disease simultaneously, aiming to reduce inflammation, decrease fat accumulation, and prevent the scarring that leads to cirrhosis. This multi-pronged strategy distinguishes lanifibranor from some competitor compounds that focus on single disease pathways.
The financing package ensures Inventiva can complete the trial without additional fundraising distractions, allowing full focus on execution and data quality. For patients waiting for treatment options, this represents meaningful progress in addressing an underserved medical need affecting millions worldwide.
