Ascletis Announces ASC47, a Muscle-Preserving Weight Loss Drug Candidate for Treatment of Obesity, Demonstrated Greater Efficacy with Tirzepatide than Semaglutide in a Preclinical Model

Core Insights - Ascletis Pharma Inc. announced promising efficacy results from a study combining ASC47, a muscle-preserving weight loss drug candidate, with tirzepatide in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice [3][9] Group 1: Efficacy Results - The combination of ASC47 low dose with tirzepatide resulted in an 87% greater reduction in body weight compared to tirzepatide monotherapy, with average total body weight reductions of 38.1% versus 20.4% respectively [1][5] - ASC47 low dose combined with tirzepatide demonstrated a statistically significant increase in efficacy compared to ASC47 low dose combined with semaglutide, achieving 87% weight loss versus 55% [1][5] Group 2: Body Composition Restoration - The combination therapy restored the body composition of obese mice to levels similar to healthy non-obese mice, with total muscle mass percentages of 60.4% for the combination group compared to 62.0% for healthy controls [2][8] - Tirzepatide monotherapy did not restore body composition to healthy levels, indicating the potential superiority of the ASC47 and tirzepatide combination [8] Group 3: Drug Properties - ASC47 is a first-in-class, adipose-targeted, once-monthly subcutaneously injected thyroid hormone receptor beta (THRβ) selective small molecule agonist, developed in-house by Ascletis [4] - The drug's unique properties allow for high drug concentrations in adipose tissue, which may contribute to its efficacy in weight loss [4]