"Ascletis reveals potential medication for weight loss, identified as ASC47"
A combination of ASC47 and tirzepatide has shown significant weight loss efficacy in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice, according to recent preclinical research. This combination resulted in an 87% greater reduction in body weight compared to tirzepatide monotherapy, and superior efficacy versus semaglutide combinations.
The study, conducted over 14 days, demonstrated that ASC47, a first-in-class adipose-targeted thyroid hormone receptor beta (THRβ) selective small molecule, enhances fat burning by activating thermogenesis in adipose tissue without muscle loss. Tirzepatide, a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, reduces weight primarily through appetite suppression and metabolic effects but can cause some muscle mass loss.
The synergy between ASC47 and tirzepatide leads to superior overall body weight and composition improvements. ASC47's muscle and metabolic preservation properties complement tirzepatide's incretin-based appetite and metabolic actions.
In comparison to ASC47 with semaglutide, the ASC47-tirzepatide combination showed even higher efficacy, with an average body weight reduction of 44.8% vs 38.1% over 14 days for ASC47-ASC31 (a dual GLP-1R/GIPR agonist).
ASC47 is entering clinical trials in combination with semaglutide, with topline data expected in Q4 2025. The promising preclinical data of ASC47 combined with tirzepatide support future clinical exploration of this combination for obesity treatment, especially because it preserves muscle mass—a common concern with GLP-1 based therapies.
It is worth noting that the treatment restored the body composition of obese mice to that of healthy non-obese mice, maintaining muscle mass percentage near normal levels (60.4% vs 62.0%). This muscle-preserving capability during weight loss is a key advantage of ASC47.
Jinzi Jason Wu, Ph.D., Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Ascletis Pharma Inc., stated that these preclinical data demonstrate the potential of ASC47 as an important therapeutic approach for the treatment of obesity. Ascletis looks forward to the combinations of ASC47 with other incretin drugs, including tirzepatide, in future clinical trials.
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