China's Sciwind inks $495M Pfizer deal to launch breakthrough weight-loss drug
Hangzhou Sciwind Biosciences has signed a major deal with Pfizer China to bring a new weight-loss and diabetes drug, Ecnoglutide, to market. The agreement could be worth up to $495 million, marking a significant step in China's growing pharmaceutical influence. The partnership highlights the country's shift from a follower to a leader in global drug development.
Ecnoglutide, developed by Sciwind, has shown strong results in trials. In tests, 92.8% of patients achieved clinically meaningful weight loss, positioning the treatment as a promising option for obesity management.
Sciwind Biosciences, founded in 2017 by CEO Pan Hai, focuses on weight management and metabolic health. The company's latest drug, Ecnoglutide, has demonstrated high effectiveness in reducing weight, with nearly all trial participants seeing significant improvements. This success has attracted Pfizer China, which sees potential in the treatment for both obesity and diabetes.
Pfizer has been expanding its presence in China, operating in over 300 cities and strengthening ties with local firms. Recent moves include the acquisition of Metsera and a licensing deal with YaoPharma, both targeting weight-loss therapies. Jean-Christophe Pointeau, Pfizer China's president, pointed to the government's Healthy China Initiative as a key driver for such collaborations.
The partnership reflects a broader trend in the pharmaceutical industry. Multinational companies like AstraZeneca have also teamed up with Chinese firms, signalling the country's rising role in drug innovation. With obesity affecting 14.1% of Chinese adults, demand for effective treatments is growing. This deal positions Sciwind and Pfizer to meet that need while advancing China's position in global healthcare.
The agreement between Sciwind and Pfizer China will accelerate the commercialisation of Ecnoglutide. The drug's high success rate in trials suggests it could become a major option for weight management. For Pfizer, the deal reinforces its commitment to China's market, while Sciwind gains a powerful partner to expand its reach.
