Biotechnology company Ascletis Pharma Inc (HKEX:1672) on Wednesday reported promising topline pharmacokinetic data in a Phase Ib study of ASC30 oral once-daily tablet in participants with obesity.

The randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled multiple ascending dose study was conducted in the United States. It demonstrated drug exposures (area under the curve over 0-24 hours or AUC0-24h) of 3,560 ng*h/mL and 5,060 ng*h/mL for cohort 1 (20 mg) and cohort 2 (40 mg), respectively, indicating that higher drug exposures are associated with greater weight loss.

The tablet was safe and well tolerated with no serious adverse events reported and no Grade 3 or higher adverse events (AEs) including GI-related AEs observed.