The preclinical findings revealed that ASC37, a GLP-1R/GIPR/GCGR triple peptide agonist, achieved up to 41.5% weight loss in mice in a dose-dependent manner. Beyond efficacy, the drug’s design focuses on longevity; its Self Assembly Lipid Depot formulation exhibited an average half-life of 17 days in non-human primate studies. This duration is roughly seven times longer than that of retatrutide, positioning the candidate for a once-monthly dosing regimen.
Ascletis Targets Once-Monthly Obesity Treatment with ASC37 Peptide
In a series of diet-induced obese mouse models, Ascletis Pharma’s new triple peptide agonist ASC37 outperformed tirzepatide, demonstrating an 88% greater relative reduction in body weight. The company now plans to pursue a biologics license application for the drug, aiming for a once-monthly subcutaneous administration schedule for patients.
Jinzi Jason Wu, CEO of Ascletis, noted that the company’s decision to classify ASC37 as a biologic offers specific regulatory advantages. Under the Inflation Reduction Act, biologics qualify for a 13-year exemption from government price negotiations, compared to nine years for small molecules. Furthermore, the biologic classification restricts third-party pharmacies from compounding versions of the drug, potentially securing a more stable market position. Ascletis expects to submit the Investigational New Drug application for both the subcutaneous and oral formulations in the third quarter of 2026.
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