Singapore, Sept. 2 -- Ascletis Pharma has dosed the first participant in its global Phase III clinical programme evaluating ASC30, an investigational once-daily oral small molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist for chronic weight management.

The programme consists of two pivotal multicentre, randomised, double-blind and placebo-controlled studies, AURORA-1 and AURORA-2.

Approximately 4,600 participants are expected to enrol across clinical sites in the United States, Europe and Canada.

AURORA-1 will evaluate ASC30 in participants with obesity or overweight without type 2 diabetes, while AURORA-2 will enrol participants with obesity or overweight who also have type 2 diabetes.

The studies will assess three maintenance doses of 20 mg, 40 mg an...