HONG KONG, June 8, 2026
Ascletis Pharma Inc. presented new clinical and preclinical data from its expanding obesity pipeline at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 2026 Scientific Sessions, highlighting progress across its oral small-molecule, peptide-based, and oral peptide delivery technology platforms. The presentations featured encouraging results for ASC30, ASC37, and ASC39, reinforcing the company’s strategy to develop differentiated therapies for obesity and metabolic diseases. The data attracted significant attention from experts attending the conference and demonstrated the potential of Ascletis’ portfolio to address unmet needs in long-term weight management.
ASC30 Delivers Promising Weight Loss and Tolerability Results
Ascletis Pharma Inc. highlighted new findings from the Phase II study of ASC30, an oral small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist designed for once-daily administration. The study demonstrated statistically significant and clinically meaningful placebo-adjusted weight loss after 13 weeks of treatment. Patients receiving maintenance doses of 20 mg, 40 mg, and 60 mg achieved placebo-adjusted body weight reductions of 5.4%, 7.0%, and 7.7%, respectively. Importantly, weight loss continued without evidence of a plateau. ASC30 also showed a favorable gastrointestinal tolerability profile, with lower vomiting rates compared with reported data for orforglipron and no severe gastrointestinal adverse events. The company reported no hepatic safety concerns and no significant abnormalities in laboratory, cardiovascular, or physical examination findings. Based on these results, Ascletis plans to initiate global Phase III obesity studies by the end of the third quarter of 2026.
ASC39 Demonstrates Strong Potential as an Oral Amylin Agonist
The company also presented preclinical data for ASC39, a highly selective oral small-molecule amylin receptor agonist designed for obesity treatment. Laboratory studies demonstrated strong selectivity for the human amylin receptor while minimizing activity at the calcitonin receptor, a characteristic that may reduce unwanted side effects such as nausea. In diet-induced obesity rat models, ASC39 produced dose-dependent reductions in body weight, with animals receiving the highest dose achieving nearly 10% body weight reduction within eleven days. A direct comparison study against the injectable amylin agonist eloralintide showed comparable weight-loss efficacy, supporting ASC39’s potential as a convenient oral alternative. Researchers believe the compound could become a promising development candidate for obesity management due to its potency, receptor selectivity, and oral administration profile.
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ASC37 Highlights Oral Triple Agonist Innovation
Another key presentation focused on ASC37, an oral GLP-1R/GIPR/GCGR triple agonist peptide developed using Ascletis’ proprietary Peptide Oral Transport ENhancement Technology (POTENT). The technology is designed to improve peptide absorption and increase oral bioavailability. In non-human primate studies, ASC37 achieved significantly higher bioavailability than comparable peptide formulations and demonstrated an extended half-life of approximately 56 hours, supporting once-daily or potentially less frequent dosing. The company reported that ASC37 achieved oral bioavailability levels substantially higher than those observed with tirzepatide and retatrutide formulated using conventional delivery technologies. These findings suggest ASC37 could offer a differentiated oral treatment option for obesity and related metabolic disorders.
Expanding a Comprehensive Obesity Treatment Portfolio
The ADA 2026 presentations reinforce Ascletis’ commitment to building a broad obesity franchise that combines innovative drug discovery technologies with multiple therapeutic approaches. The company’s portfolio includes oral GLP-1 receptor agonists, amylin receptor agonists, triple agonist peptides, and fixed-dose combination therapies aimed at improving efficacy, tolerability, and patient convenience. With ASC30 advancing toward Phase III development and continued progress for ASC37 and ASC39, Ascletis is positioning itself as an emerging innovator in the rapidly growing obesity therapeutics market.
Source: Ascletis Pharma, press release
