The upcoming trial will enroll 84 participants, targeting individuals with obesity or those who are overweight with related health conditions. Researchers will conduct the study in two distinct stages: an initial single ascending dose assessment followed by a head-to-head comparison against the FDA-authorized tirzepatide. By utilizing its proprietary Self-Assembling Lipid Depot technology, Ascletis aims to achieve a controlled, slow release of the medication over a full month.

Preclinical data suggest a significant performance edge for the candidate. In non-human primate studies, ASC35 exhibited a half-life approximately six times longer than that of tirzepatide. Furthermore, tests on diet-induced obese mice indicated that the drug achieved 71% greater relative body weight reduction compared to the market-leading treatment. Company leadership anticipates that these pharmacokinetic advantages, paired with a less frequent dosing regimen, will address critical gaps in current obesity management.