Ecnoglutide
Ecnoglutide (long-acting GLP-1 agonist)
A long-acting GLP-1 agonist in Phase 3 development, notable for the potential of extended, less frequent dosing.
Overview
Ecnoglutide is a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist advanced primarily in China for obesity and type 2 diabetes, with Phase 3 development underway. Its long duration of action is being studied to support less frequent dosing than weekly injections. It is investigational and not approved in the US. Update, September 2026: China's NMPA approved ecnoglutide in January 2026 for type 2 diabetes and in March 2026 for chronic weight management, its first approvals anywhere; it remains unapproved in the US.
Mechanism of action
Activates the GLP-1 receptor with an extended half-life to improve glucose control and reduce appetite.
Key studies & citations
- Human2025
Efficacy and safety of a biased GLP-1 receptor agonist ecnoglutide in adults with overweight or obesity: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial
664 Chinese adults: 9.1% to 13.2% weight loss at 40 weeks versus 0.1% with placebo; 87% on 2.4 mg lost at least 5%.
The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology - Human2025
Efficacy and safety of cAMP-biased GLP-1 receptor agonist ecnoglutide versus dulaglutide in type 2 diabetes (EECOH-2)
52-week Phase 3 non-inferiority trial versus dulaglutide in type 2 diabetes on metformin.
The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology - Review2026
Ecnoglutide: first approvals
Documents the January 2026 (type 2 diabetes) and March 2026 (weight management) approvals in China.
Drugs - Human2026
Sciwind Biosciences announces ecnoglutide injection approved by China's NMPA for chronic weight management
March 6, 2026 approval; 15.4% mean weight loss at 48 weeks on 2.4 mg (placebo-adjusted 15.1%).
Sciwind Biosciences press release
Frequently asked questions
Is ecnoglutide available in the US?
No. Its development is most advanced in China, and it is investigational, not FDA-approved.