China-based Hangzhou Sciwind Biosciences Co., Ltd announced a commercialization collaboration with Pfizer China for ecnoglutide, a cAMP-biased glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, according to an official company statement. Under the deal terms, Pfizer China will receive exclusive commercialization rights to the injectable peptide therapy for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management in Mainland China, while Sciwind will retain Marketing Authorization Holder (MAH) status and responsibility for research and development, registration, manufacturing, and supply.
Sciwind is eligible to receive up to USD 495 million in upfront, regulatory, and sales milestone payments under the agreement. Additional financial terms were not disclosed.
Deal context
Ecnoglutide is a next-generation GLP-1 receptor agonist designed to preferentially activate cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathways associated with insulin secretion and appetite regulation, while potentially minimizing β-arrestin-mediated receptor internalization. The peptide therapy received approval from China’s National Medical Products Administration in January 2026 for the treatment of adult type 2 diabetes, and a supplemental marketing authorization application for adult chronic weight management has been accepted for review.
For Pfizer, the agreement adds a locally approved metabolic therapy to its China portfolio as the company expands its presence in obesity and cardiometabolic disease markets. The partnership follows Pfizer’s recent metabolic-focused business development activity, including its acquisition of Metsera and a global licensing collaboration with YaoPharma targeting next-generation therapies for chronic weight management. The companies have not disclosed any prior collaboration involving ecnoglutide.