Ascletis Pharma Inc. Achieves Significant Milestones in Drug Development

Ascletis Pharma Inc., a biotechnology company specializing in antiviral, cancer, and fatty liver disease treatments, has recently made significant strides in its drug development pipeline. The company, based in Hangzhou, China, and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, announced multiple advancements on May 22, 2025.

IND Clearance for ASC50

On May 22, Ascletis Pharma reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared the Investigational New Drug (IND) application for ASC50, an oral small molecule inhibitor targeting interleukin-17 (IL-17). This clearance marks the commencement of a Phase I trial aimed at treating mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis. The trial will be a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted across multiple sites in the U.S. ASC50, developed in-house, has shown promising preclinical results, including higher drug exposure, a longer half-life, and lower clearance compared to existing IL-17 inhibitors in clinical development.

Clinical Study for ASC47 and Semaglutide

In addition to the ASC50 developments, Ascletis Pharma announced the dosing of the first participants in a U.S. clinical study combining ASC47, an adipose-targeted, once-monthly injectable small molecule THRβ agonist, with semaglutide for obesity treatment. The study aims to evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of this combination therapy. ASC47, which demonstrated a half-life of up to 40 days in a Phase Ib study, is designed to be muscle-preserving while targeting adipose tissue.

Company Overview

Ascletis Pharma Inc. operates globally with a focus on addressing unmet medical needs through innovative drug discovery and development. As of May 20, 2025, the company’s close price was HKD 7, with a market capitalization of HKD 5.39 billion. Despite a negative price-to-earnings ratio of -18.58, the company continues to pursue significant advancements in its therapeutic areas.

For more information, visit Ascletis Pharma’s website at https://www.ascletis.com/ .