Ascletis Announces ASC47, a Muscle-Preserving Weight Loss Drug Candidate for Treatment of Obesity, in Combination with Semaglutide, Demonstrated Superior Weight Loss to Semaglutide Monotherapy in a Preclinical Model

Core Insights - Ascletis Pharma Inc. announced positive results from a study on ASC47, a muscle-preserving weight loss drug, in combination with semaglutide, showing a 36.2% weight reduction compared to 23.1% with semaglutide alone, representing a 56.7% greater weight loss [1][6][19] Group 1: Study Results - The combination of ASC47 (3 mg/kg, SQ, once every four weeks) and semaglutide (30 nmol/kg, SQ, once daily) resulted in a significant average total body weight reduction of 36.2% in diet-induced obese mice [1][6] - ASC47 low dose combinations restored body composition in obese mice to levels similar to healthy non-obese mice, with total muscle mass percentage at 68.8% compared to 66.0% in healthy mice [9][10] - The cumulative caloric intake of obese mice treated with ASC47 was statistically higher than those treated with semaglutide, indicating different mechanisms of action [10] Group 2: Safety and Tolerability - Interim data from a Phase I single ascending dose study in Australia indicated that ASC47 was well tolerated up to 90 mg, with no serious adverse events reported [4][20] - ASC47 low dose combinations showed a statistically significant reduction in liver enzymes, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), compared to vehicle treatment in obese mice [11][19] Group 3: Mechanism of Action - ASC47 is an adipose-targeted, once-monthly subcutaneously injected thyroid hormone receptor beta selective small molecule agonist, designed to achieve high drug concentrations in adipose tissue [3][20] - The study results suggest that ASC47 may provide a clinically significant improvement in weight loss and muscle preservation compared to incretin-based drugs alone [19] Group 4: Future Developments - Ascletis is advancing the development of ASC47 as both a monotherapy and a combination therapy for obesity and other metabolic diseases, with topline data from a Phase IIa study expected in Q2 2025 [20][21] - The company is also developing ASC30, a GLP-1 receptor biased small molecule, with clinical trials ongoing in the U.S. [20][21]