Ascletis doses first participants in obesity study

Ascletis Pharma Inc. (HKEX:1672) announced that the first participants with obesity or overweight and at least one weight-related comorbidity have been dosed in its U.S. Phase IIa study of ASC30, a small molecule oral GLP-1 receptor agonist. The Phase IIa study is a 13-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled and multi-center trial designed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of ASC30. Two formulations of ASC30 are being evaluated, and topline data is expected in the fourth quarter of 2025. Prior Phase Ib studies demonstrated up to 6.5% placebo-adjusted mean body weight reduction from baseline after four weeks of treatment. ASC30 is being developed as both a once-daily oral tablet and a once-monthly subcutaneous injection for obesity treatment, pending approval. The company holds compound patent protection for ASC30 until 2044.