#Hong Kong #obesity #Ascletis #ASC47

Introduction

Ascletis Pharma Inc., a leading biopharmaceutical company based in Hong Kong, has made significant strides in the battle against obesity with its latest drug candidate, ASC47. This innovative treatment demonstrates promising results by not only encouraging weight loss but also preserving muscle mass, a critical factor in obesity treatments. The combination of ASC47 with Semaglutide, a well-known obesity medication, shows superior efficacy against Semaglutide alone, marking a potential game-changer in obesity treatment.

Key Findings from Preclinical Studies

In a head-to-head study conducted on diet-induced obese (DIO) mice, the ASC47 and Semaglutide combination resulted in an average total body weight reduction of 36.2%. This is significantly higher than the 23.1% reduction observed with Semaglutide monotherapy, equating to a 56.7% greater relative weight loss. Furthermore, the muscle mass in mice treated with ASC47 remained comparable to that of healthy, non-obese mice, contrasting the muscle loss witnessed in those receiving only Semaglutide.

Study Specifications

The treated group received ASC47 at a low dose of 3 mg/kg subcutaneously every four weeks alongside Semaglutide at a dose of 30 nmol/kg daily. Encouragingly, the study highlights that while Semaglutide struggles to restore a healthy body composition in obese models, ASC47 succeeded in returning the muscle mass ratio to healthy levels.

Safety and Tolerability Profile

Initial data from ongoing Phase I studies in Australia have shown that ASC47 is well-tolerated. Up to 90 mg administered via subcutaneous injection revealed no serious adverse events, bolstering confidence in the drug's safety profile. This information is particularly compelling given the high dropout rates due to adverse events often seen in obesity treatment trials. The manageable tolerability could encourage more patients to remain in treatment protocols.

Mechanism of Action

ASC47 is a selective small molecule agonist that targets thyroid hormone receptor beta (THRβ). Its unique property allows for adipose tissue targeting, resulting in more effective drug concentrations in fat tissues. This targeted approach appears to facilitate a more healthy weight loss while minimizing muscle mass loss, a critical concern for many in obesity treatments.

Comparison with Existing Treatments

Traditionally, weight loss drugs often lead to muscle loss alongside fat reduction. However, ASC47 has demonstrated an ability to preserve muscle during weight loss, which is paramount not just for appearance but for overall metabolic health. In fact, previous studies indicated a muscle mass increase of 5.8% in mice treated with ASC47 compared to a 9.3% decline observed in those receiving only Semaglutide.

Future Prospects

Ascletis is expanding its research portfolio, planning to include ASC47 in broader clinical trials aimed at examining its efficacy in human populations suffering from obesity. Phase IIa studies are anticipated to provide top-line data by mid-2025, potentially paving the way for ASC47 to enter the market as a viable treatment option.

Broader Obesity Portfolio

In addition to ASC47, Ascletis is developing ASC30, another innovative drug aimed at obesity treatment, reinforcing the company's commitment to finding effective solutions for metabolic diseases. ASC30, in its various forms, is undergoing clinical trials in the U.S., with findings expected early next year.

Conclusion

Ascletis Pharma Inc.'s ASC47 could represent a novel approach to treating obesity—balancing weight loss with muscle preservation. As ongoing studies continue to reveal positive results, the industry is keenly watching how ASC47 may redefine obesity management and improve patients' quality of life.

As Dr. Jinzi Jason Wu, the Founder and CEO of Ascletis, aptly stated, "Unlike liver enzyme elevations observed with other treatments, ASC47 promotes healthy weight loss while ensuring reduced liver enzymes, marking it as a significant advancement in obesity drug therapy." The fight against obesity is far from over, but innovations like ASC47 may very well change the landscape for patients in need.