Ascletis Pharma (HKG:1672) said it had selected a once-monthly version of ASC35 for further studies in the U.S., according to a Hong Kong bourse filing Monday.
The company plans to seek U.S. regulatory approval to begin human trials of the subcutaneous version of the drug to treat obesity.
An investigational new drug application is expected in the second quarter of 2026, the firm said.
According to Ascletis, animal studies showed its medicine was superior to Eli Lilly's (LLY) weight-loss drug tirzepatide.