ASC35
Ascletis Pharma's investigational GLP-1/GIP dual receptor agonist for obesity and type 2 diabetes — the company's tirzepatide-class candidate, in early clinical development.
What is ASC35?
ASC35 is Ascletis Pharma's investigational dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist developed for chronic weight management and type 2 diabetes. Pharmacologically it sits in the same class as tirzepatide and VK2735 — dual receptor activation producing additive insulinotropic, glucagon-suppression, and central anorectic effects. As of mid-2026, ASC35 is in early clinical development with limited public data; Ascletis' broader metabolic portfolio (ASC30 biased GLP-1, ASC36 amylin) reflects a multi-asset strategy in the obesity space.
What ASC35 Is Investigated For
ASC35 is Ascletis' tirzepatide-class GLP-1/GIP dual receptor agonist, in early clinical development as of mid-2026. The mechanism (dual GLP-1/GIP agonism) is clinically validated through tirzepatide; ASC35 enters a competitive Phase 1/2 landscape including VK2735, enicepatide/CT-388, and multiple other dual-agonist programs. Public clinical data is limited at the time of writing.
History & Discovery
ASC35 is part of Ascletis Pharma's metabolic portfolio targeting the obesity and T2D market. Development began in 2023–2024 with Phase 1 entry following preclinical optimization. The competitive positioning is against tirzepatide and VK2735 in the GLP-1/GIP dual agonist class, with Chinese regulatory activity preceding US filing per Ascletis' geographic strategy.
How It Works
ASC35 activates two appetite-regulating gut hormone receptors (GLP-1 and GIP) at once — the same combination as tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound). The mechanism is well-validated; ASC35 is a different molecule in the same class.
ASC35 binds and activates both the GLP-1 receptor and the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR), producing additive effects on insulin secretion, glucagon suppression, gastric emptying, and central appetite regulation. The pharmacology is qualitatively similar to tirzepatide; specific receptor binding affinities and selectivity ratios for ASC35 are not yet fully characterized in public literature.
Evidence Snapshot
Human Clinical Evidence
Phase 1. Limited public data.
Animal / Preclinical
Adequate. GLP-1/GIP dual agonism is well-validated through tirzepatide.
Mechanistic Rationale
Strong.
Research Gaps & Open Questions
What the current literature has not yet settled about ASC35:
- 01Phase 1/2 efficacy and safety data.
- 02Head-to-head versus tirzepatide and VK2735.
- 03Long-term safety.
- 04Global approval timeline.
Forms & Administration
Subcutaneous injection anticipated.
Dosing & Protocols
The ranges below reflect protocols commonly discussed in the literature and by clinicians — not a prescription. Actual dosing for any individual should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider who knows the patient.
Typical Range
Phase 1 dose-escalation.
Frequency
Weekly subcutaneous anticipated.
Timing Considerations
No specific timing requirements: can be administered at any time of day, with or without food, and is not tied to exercise timing. Consistency matters more than the specific clock — dose at roughly the same time each day (or same day each week, for weekly protocols) to keep exposure steady.
Cycle Length
Chronic indefinite anticipated.
Protocol Notes
Phase 1 stage; not commercially available.
Investigational.
Timeline of Effects
Onset
TBD
Peak Effect
TBD
After Discontinuation
Class-consistent pharmacokinetics anticipated.
Common Questions
Who ASC35 Is NOT For
- •Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- •Pediatric use.
- •MTC/MEN2 history.
- •Pancreatitis history.
- •Severe gastroparesis.
- •Known hypersensitivity.
Drug & Supplement Interactions
Class-level GLP-1/GIP interaction considerations apply.
Safety Profile
Common Side Effects
Cautions
- • Investigational; class precautions apply
What We Don't Know
Most parameters at this stage.
Legal Status
United States
Investigational.
International
Investigational; Chinese regulatory pathway primary.
Sports & Competition
Class considerations apply.
Regulatory status changes over time. Verify current local rules with a qualified professional.
Myths & Misconceptions
Myth
ASC35 is approved in China.
Reality
As of mid-2026, ASC35 is investigational across markets. Approval timeline depends on Phase 2/3 progression.
Quick Facts
- Class
- GLP-1 / GIP Dual Receptor Agonist
- Tier
- D
- Evidence
- Preliminary
- Safety
- Limited Data
- Updated
- May 2026
- Citations
- 0PubMed
Also known as
Tags
Related Goals
Evidence Score
Clinical Trials
View Clinical TrialsLinks to ClinicalTrials.gov for reference. Listing does not imply endorsement.