Ascletis reports promising early results for ASC30 obesity treatment

Ascletis Pharma Inc. announced results from cohorts 1 and 2 of its 28-day multiple ascending dose (MAD) study of ASC30, an oral small molecule GLP-1R agonist, at the 61st EASD Annual Meeting. The study, conducted in the U.S., involved participants with obesity (BMI: 30-40 kg/m²). ASC30 once-daily oral tablet demonstrated a 6.5% placebo-adjusted mean body weight reduction from baseline after 28-day treatment in MAD cohort 2, and a 4.5% reduction in MAD cohort 1.

The drug was found to be safe and well tolerated, with only mild-to-moderate gastrointestinal adverse events. Notably, MAD cohort 1 reported zero incidence of vomiting with its 2 mg to 5 mg weekly titration strategy, suggesting an appropriate escalation pace. No serious adverse events, Grade 3 or higher AEs, or elevations in liver enzymes were observed. Pharmacokinetic data showed a positive correlation between higher area under the curve (AUC) and greater body weight reduction.

Ascletis anticipates reporting topline results from the ASC30 oral tablet 13-week Phase IIa study in the fourth quarter of this year. ASC30 is an investigational new chemical entity (NCE) with global patent protection until 2044.