China’s National Medical Products Administration has greenlit Pfizer’s GLP-1 receptor agonist Xianweiying, known generically as ecnoglutide, for chronic weight management in overweight and obese adults. This once-weekly injection enters a rapidly expanding market projected to reach billions in value amid rising demand for obesity treatments.2524
Drug Approval and Clinical Performance
The approval covers long-term use in adults, building on ecnoglutide’s prior clearance for type 2 diabetes treatment. Clinical trials in Chinese patients demonstrated a placebo-adjusted weight loss of 15.1%, with 92.8% of participants achieving meaningful reductions and strong glycemic control.24
Sciwind Biosciences, Pfizer’s licensing partner, described the milestone as “a breakthrough in the field of weight management.” Pfizer announced the news via WeChat, though details on pricing and launch timeline remain undisclosed.
Strategic Partnership and Market Entry
In February, Pfizer secured exclusive commercialization rights for ecnoglutide in mainland China through a deal with Hangzhou-based Sciwind Biosciences valued at up to $495 million, including upfront and milestone payments. Sciwind retains responsibility for R&D, manufacturing, and regulatory filings, while Pfizer handles marketing and sales.
Heightened Competition in China’s Obesity Sector
The move intensifies rivalry in China’s booming weight-loss drug arena, where leaders like Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Eli Lilly’s offerings compete alongside local players such as Innovent Biologics’ Xinermei. In 2025, Wegovy generated 260 million yuan in sales on platforms like Tmall and JD.com, compared to 416 million yuan for Xinermei, per analyst estimates. Analysts anticipate further crowding with generic entrants on the horizon.25
Pfizer bolsters its position through additional moves, including the acquisition of obesity drug developer Metsera and licensing of another experimental GLP-1 candidate.
