Pfizer challenges Novo and Lilly: GLP-1 drug available for pre-order in China

Pfizer’s GLP-1 weight management treatment Xianweiying, is reportedly available for pre-order in China in the wake of intensifying competition with rivals in a market analysis expected to be worth billions of dollars. 

According to a listing on JD.com, a 1.2 ml Xianweiying injector pen shipping on April 27 costs 489 yuan ($72). Pfizer is strengthening its position in the rapidly growing weight-loss sector by licensing Xianweiying ecnoglutide from the Hangzhou-based biotech firm Sciwind. 

Beyond licensing, Pfizer has expanded its obesity pipeline by acquiring drug developer Metsera and another experimental GLP-1 drug as reported by Reuters.

The drug belongs to the popular GLP-1 receptor agonist class, competing with established global giants like Novo Nordisk (Wegovy) and Eli Lilly, as well as local players like Innovent Biologics. 

According to Jefferies, local competitor Innovent’s Xinermei led 2025 e-commerce sales on platforms like Tmall and JD.com with 416 million yuan ($61 million), outperforming Novo Nordisk’s Wegovey, which saw 260 million yuan ($38 million) in sales. 

Pfizer acquired the mainland China commercialization rights for Xianweiying (ecnoglutide) from Hangzhou-based Sciwind; the company has also recently acquired obesity drug developer Metsera, along with another experimental GLP-1 drug.