ASND

Ascendis Pharma develops innovative endocrinology therapies using its proprietary TransCon technology platform that creates prodrugs providing sustained, consistent drug delivery reducing dosing frequency and improving therapeutic outcomes for patients with chronic conditions. Headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark with U.S. operations in Palo Alto, California, Ascendis specializes in rare endocrine disorders including growth hormone deficiency, hypoparathyroidism, and achondroplasia where existing treatments require frequent injections creating substantial patient burden. The company's lead commercial product, SKYTROFA, received FDA approval in August 2021 as the first and only once-weekly growth hormone therapy for pediatric growth hormone deficiency, replacing daily injections required by traditional treatments. Ascendis's TransCon technology temporarily links active drugs to inert carrier molecules preventing rapid degradation and clearance, with the prodrug slowly releasing active drug through physiological pH and temperature conditions maintaining therapeutic levels throughout extended dosing intervals. The clinical pipeline includes TransCon PTH for hypoparathyroidism in Phase 3 trials, TransCon CNP for achondroplasia (skeletal dysplasia causing dwarfism) in Phase 2 development, and oncology programs exploring prodrug approaches for cancer therapies. Ascendis completed multiple financing rounds and established its European commercial organization launching SKYTROFA in key markets. The company employs approximately 600 people conducting drug discovery, clinical development, manufacturing, and commercial operations supporting its growing endocrinology franchise.