BeijingJune 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Key data from the head-to-head study (SLIMMER-UP-SWITCH) of Pfizer’s next-generation cAMP-biased GLP-1 receptor agonist, Ecnoglutide, versus Semaglutide, were formally presented as a “Late Breaking” abstract at the 2026 American Diabetes Association (ADA) Scientific Sessions. As a significant milestone in Pfizer’s weight management efforts, an interim analysis of this Phase 2, randomized, open-label study showed[1] that Ecnoglutide demonstrated superior weight loss efficacy compared to Semaglutide, with a 35% greater reduction in body weight at 20 weeks, a 20% greater reduction in waist circumference, and nearly double the proportion of patients achieving ≥10% weight loss compared to Semaglutide.
Professor Linong Ji, Director of the Endocrinology Department at Peking University People’s Hospital, at the 2026 American Diabetes Association (ADA) Scientific Sessions
Professor Linong Ji, Director of the Endocrinology Department at Peking University People’s Hospital, commented: “This study provides the first direct clinical evidence validating the clinical advantages of the innovative mechanism of cAMP-biased GLP-1 receptor agonists. By optimizing GLP-1 receptor signaling, it can achieve superior clinical benefits compared to traditional GLP-1 receptor agonists, offering high-quality evidence-based medical evidence for the field of weight management.”
Significantly Enhanced Weight Loss Efficacy,35% Greater Reduction in Body Weight at 20 Weeks Compared to Semaglutide
This study enrolled 163 adult patients with obesity (Body Mass Index BMI ≥30 kg/m²) across 17 research centers in China. Participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either Ecnoglutide or Semaglutide via once-weekly subcutaneous injection[1].
Study data showed: At Week 20, the mean percentage change in body weight from baseline was -12.8% for the Ecnoglutide group and -9.5% for the Semaglutide group (P<0.001), representing a significant 35% greater weight reduction with Ecnoglutide compared to Semaglutide[1]. In the previous SLIMMER study, treatment with Ecnoglutide for 48 weeks resulted in a mean body weight reduction of up to 15.4% from baseline in the highest dose group (2.4 mg)[2].
Furthermore, 98.9% of patients in the Ecnoglutide group achieved ≥5% weight loss, and the proportion of patients achieving ≥10% weight loss was approximately double that of the Semaglutide group[1].
Notable Improvement in Body Circumference,20% Greater Reduction in Waist Circumference Compared to Semaglutide
In addition to potent weight loss, the Ecnoglutide group also showed prominent improvements in body circumference. Study data showed[1] that the mean reduction in waist circumference from baseline at 20 weeks was 10.5 cm for the Ecnoglutide group and 8.7 cm for the Semaglutide group (P<0.05), representing a significant 20% greater reduction with Ecnoglutide. Improvements in other circumference measures, such as arm and neck circumference, were also superior with Ecnoglutide compared to Semaglutide.
“Central obesity (i.e., abdominal fat accumulation) not only affects body shape but is also a core risk factor for type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease,” stated Professor Ji. “Ecnoglutide effectively reduces central obesity and localized fat accumulation while significantly lowering body weight, thereby improving body composition and reducing the risk of related metabolic diseases.”
Translating Nobel Prize-Winning Research,Biased Mechanism Achieves Both Efficacy and Safety
Traditional GLP-1 receptor agonists typically employ a “full pathway activation” mode. While activating weight loss signaling pathways, they also often activate pathways associated with gastrointestinal adverse reactions and receptor desensitization, making it difficult to achieve both potent weight loss and good tolerability simultaneously.
Leveraging Nobel Prize-winning research[3], Ecnoglutide optimizes GLP-1 receptor signaling, effectively overcoming the industry challenge of balancing efficacy and tolerability in traditional weight loss treatments. Dr. Hai Pan, Founder and CEO of Sciwind Biosciences, explained: “We have always believed that better weight loss treatments may not necessarily stem from combining targets, but can also arise from more precise regulation of key biological mechanisms. This head-to-head study provides the most direct clinical evidence for this innovative concept.” Consistent with previous SLIMMER study results, Ecnoglutide demonstrated a favorable gastrointestinal safety profile in this head-to-head study[1-3].
Jean-Christophe Pointeau, Senior Vice President of Pfizer and President of Pfizer China, stated: “We are delighted to see the impressive clinical data from the head-to-head study of Ecnoglutide, which showcases the breakthrough potential of the next-generation biased GLP-1 in weight management and metabolic therapy. At Pfizer, our goal is to ‘deliver breakthroughs that change patients’ lives.’ As the lead in the commercialization process for Ecnoglutide, Pfizer will accelerate the availability of this innovative therapy, ensuring cutting-edge science truly benefits every patient in need.”
About the SLIMMER-UP-SWITCH Head-to-Head Study[1]
SLIMMER-UP-SWITCH is a multicenter, randomized, open-label Phase 2 clinical trial. It enrolled 163 adult patients with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) across 17 research centers in China. Participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either Ecnoglutide or Semaglutide via once-weekly subcutaneous injection for a treatment period of 60 weeks. A pre-specified interim analysis was conducted at Week 20 after both groups completed dose escalation and maintained a fixed maintenance dose of 2.4 mg for 4 weeks. The interim analysis data from this study was selected for a Late Breaking abstract presentation (poster) at the 2026 American Diabetes Association (ADA) Scientific Sessions.
About the SLIMMER Study[2]
The SLIMMER study was a large Phase 3 clinical trial that enrolled 664 Chinese adult subjects who were overweight or obese. In the SLIMMER study, Ecnoglutide demonstrated clinically meaningful efficacy. After 48 weeks of treatment, subjects in the highest dose group (2.4 mg) achieved a mean body weight reduction of 15.4% from baseline, with 92.8% of subjects achieving ≥5% weight loss from baseline. A significant reduction in waist circumference was also observed (a mean reduction of 12.8 cm from baseline at Week 48 in the Ecnoglutide 2.4 mg group). Additionally, after 40 weeks of treatment, subjects in the Ecnoglutide 2.4 mg group with baseline fatty liver disease showed a 53.1% reduction in liver fat content, and multiple metabolic parameters including blood pressure, blood lipids, and blood glucose were significantly improved. After 48 weeks of treatment, the Ecnoglutide 2.4 mg group showed a reduction in uric acid of 52.7 μmol/L from baseline. During the 48-week treatment period in the study, the discontinuation rate due to adverse events in the Ecnoglutide group was 2%, and the discontinuation rate specifically due to gastrointestinal adverse events was 0.6%.
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[1] 1. Ji L, et al. Efficacy and Safety of cAMP-Biased Ecnoglutide versus Unbiased Semaglutide in Adults with Obesity: 20-Week Results from a Multicenter, Randomized, Open-Label, Phase 2 Study. 2026 ADA Poster (12-B). |
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