ASC36
Ascletis Pharma's investigational amylin analog for obesity — competing with cagrilintide, petrelintide, and eloralintide in the amylin agonist class.
What is ASC36?
ASC36 is Ascletis Pharma's investigational amylin receptor agonist developed for chronic weight management. Pharmacologically it sits in the amylin analog class — alongside cagrilintide (Novo Nordisk, the CagriSema component), petrelintide (Zealand Pharma, in Phase 2), and eloralintide (further details emerging) — designed to provide amylin pathway agonism for satiety, glucagon suppression, and gastric emptying. As of mid-2026, ASC36 is in early clinical development with limited public data. Ascletis' broader metabolic portfolio (ASC30, ASC35) reflects a diverse approach to the obesity treatment market.
What ASC36 Is Investigated For
ASC36 is Ascletis' amylin analog for chronic weight management, entering an increasingly competitive amylin landscape (cagrilintide approved with CagriSema combination, petrelintide in Phase 2, eloralintide in earlier development). The mechanism is mechanistically validated through CagriSema's Phase 3 evidence; ASC36's specific positioning will depend on potency, dosing interval, tolerability, and Phase 2/3 results. As of mid-2026, public clinical data is limited.
History & Discovery
ASC36 is part of Ascletis Pharma's metabolic disease portfolio. Development began in 2024 with Phase 1 entry following preclinical optimization. The competitive positioning is against cagrilintide and petrelintide in the amylin analog class. Chinese regulatory pathway is primary per Ascletis' geographic strategy.
How It Works
Amylin is a hormone the pancreas releases with insulin after meals. It tells the brain you're full and slows down food leaving the stomach. ASC36 is a longer-lasting synthetic version of amylin designed for chronic weight management — similar mechanism to cagrilintide (the amylin part of CagriSema).
ASC36 binds amylin receptors (calcitonin receptor complexes with RAMP1-3) producing canonical amylin pharmacology: central anorectic effects through area postrema and downstream circuits, slowed gastric emptying, and suppression of postprandial glucagon. Engineering for extended half-life follows similar approaches to cagrilintide (fatty acid lipidation supporting weekly dosing). Specific pharmacokinetics and binding affinities for ASC36 are not yet fully characterized in public literature.
Evidence Snapshot
Human Clinical Evidence
Phase 1. Limited public data.
Animal / Preclinical
Adequate. Amylin pathway is mechanistically validated.
Mechanistic Rationale
Strong.
Research Gaps & Open Questions
What the current literature has not yet settled about ASC36:
- 01Phase 1/2 efficacy and safety data.
- 02Head-to-head versus cagrilintide and petrelintide.
- 03Combination strategies with GLP-1 agonists.
- 04Long-term safety.
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.
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.
Investigational.
Timeline of Effects
Onset
TBD
Peak Effect
TBD
After Discontinuation
Amylin class pharmacokinetics anticipated.
Common Questions
Who ASC36 Is NOT For
- •Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- •Pediatric use.
- •Severe gastroparesis.
- •Known hypersensitivity to amylin analogs.
Drug & Supplement Interactions
Class-level amylin interaction considerations — concurrent insulin therapy may require dose adjustment.
Safety Profile
Common Side Effects
Cautions
- • Investigational
What We Don't Know
Most parameters at Phase 1 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
ASC36 is a GLP-1 agonist.
Reality
ASC36 is an amylin analog, not a GLP-1 receptor agonist. The mechanisms are complementary (often co-administered as in CagriSema) but distinct.
Quick Facts
- Class
- Amylin Analog
- 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.