By Fineline Cube 
China-based Ascletis Pharma Inc. (HKG: 1672) announced encouraging efficacy results from preclinical trials of ASC47, a first-in-class muscle-preserving weight loss drug candidate for obesity treatment. The trials evaluated the combination of ASC47 with tirzepatide.
ASC47 Mechanism
ASC47 is an adipose-targeted, once-monthly subcutaneously injected thyroid hormone receptor beta (THRβ) selective small molecule agonist. Developed in-house at Ascletis, ASC47 achieves high drug concentrations in adipose tissue, enabling targeted treatment.
Preclinical Results
In diet-induced obese (DIO) mouse models, the combination of ASC47 at a low dose with tirzepatide showed a statistically significant 87% increase in efficacy compared to 55% with semaglutide. The combination restored body composition in obese mice to levels similar to healthy non-obese mice. At the end of treatment, the total muscle mass percentage in obese mice treated with ASC47 and tirzepatide was comparable to healthy non-obese mice (60.4% vs. 62.0%).-Fineline Info & Tech