Ecnoglutide
A long-acting weekly GLP-1 weight loss injection from Chinese biotech Sciwind Biosciences. Uses a special protein-extension technology to last longer in the body than semaglutide. Late-stage Phase 3 trials in China showed body weight loss of 14-15% in obesity and good blood-sugar control in type 2 diabetes. Approval in China is expected first, with international filings to follow. One of several Chinese-developed GLP-1s reaching the global market.
Dosage
Fixed dose: 1.2-2.4 mg subcutaneous weekly (titrated)
Dosages shown are for research reference only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Administration
Subcutaneous injection (once weekly)
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Effects
Weight Loss
Approximately 14-15% body weight loss in Phase 3 obesity trials in China.
Glycemic Control
Substantial HbA1c reductions in type 2 diabetes Phase 3 trials.
Appetite Suppression
Standard GLP-1 receptor activation for hypothalamic appetite suppression.
Once-Weekly Dosing
Long-acting structural design supports stable weekly subcutaneous dosing.
Mechanism of Action
Ecnoglutide is a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist engineered for once-weekly subcutaneous dosing using a structural design distinct from albumin-binding (semaglutide) or PEGylation. The molecule incorporates extended-half-life modifications that resist DPP-4 enzymatic degradation while maintaining high-affinity binding and full agonist activity at the GLP-1 receptor.
Receptor activation produces the standard GLP-1 pharmacology: glucose-dependent insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells, suppression of glucagon release from alpha cells, slowed gastric emptying via vagal signalling, and central appetite suppression through hypothalamic and brainstem GLP-1 receptors. The clinical profile in Chinese Phase 3 trials closely mirrors semaglutide — approximately 14-15% body weight loss in obesity studies and substantial HbA1c reductions in type 2 diabetes trials — positioning ecnoglutide as a regional alternative to Wegovy and Ozempic with potentially lower pricing.
Ecnoglutide reflects a broader trend of Chinese biotech companies developing GLP-1 receptor agonists for both domestic and international markets. Sciwind Biosciences has filed for regulatory approval in China and is pursuing international development pathways. The molecule is one of several Chinese-developed GLP-1s approaching commercial launch alongside mazdutide, retatrutide-class triple agonists in early Chinese development, and a wave of biosimilar semaglutide products expected as patents expire in major markets through the late 2020s.
Regulatory Status
Not yet FDA approved. Phase 3 trials in China have read out positively for obesity and type 2 diabetes; Chinese NMPA approval expected first, international filings to follow (Sciwind Biosciences).
Risks & Safety
Common
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite (similar profile to semaglutide).
Serious
pancreatitis, gallstones, dehydration.
Rare
thyroid C-cell tumour class warning, severe allergic reactions. Most safety data so far is from Chinese trial populations; broader safety profile being characterised in international trials.
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Research Papers
5Published: May 1, 2026
AI Summary
A meta-analysis of four trials (1,643 adults) found ecnoglutide lowered HbA1c by ~0.44% and body weight by ~5.6 kg versus controls, with mostly mild gastrointestinal side effects. The authors concluded the safety profile is acceptable.
Published: January 7, 2026
AI Summary
In the EECOH-1 phase 3 trial, once-weekly ecnoglutide cut HbA1c by roughly 2% from baseline versus 0.9% with placebo over 24 weeks in 211 Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes. Both 0.6 mg and 1.2 mg doses outperformed placebo.
Published: October 1, 2025
AI Summary
In the EECOH-2 head-to-head phase 3 trial, ecnoglutide was non-inferior to dulaglutide for HbA1c reduction over 32 weeks in 621 patients with type 2 diabetes on metformin. The 1.2 mg dose was statistically superior, though the absolute difference was small.
Published: September 1, 2025
AI Summary
In a Chinese phase 3 trial of 664 adults with overweight or obesity, once-weekly ecnoglutide produced up to 13.2% weight loss at 40 weeks compared with no change on placebo. Most side effects were mild-to-moderate gut issues.
Published: September 27, 2024
AI Summary
In an earlier phase 2 trial of 145 adults with type 2 diabetes, ecnoglutide reduced HbA1c by 1.8-2.4% over 20 weeks versus 0.55% with placebo. The drug was well tolerated overall.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ecnoglutide?
A long-acting weekly GLP-1 weight loss injection from Chinese biotech Sciwind Biosciences. Uses a special protein-extension technology to last longer in the body than semaglutide. Late-stage Phase 3 trials in China showed body weight loss of 14-15% in obesity and good blood-sugar control in type 2 diabetes. Approval in China is expected first, with international filings to follow. One of several Chinese-developed GLP-1s reaching the global market.
What is Ecnoglutide used for?
A long-acting weekly GLP-1 weight loss injection from Chinese biotech Sciwind Biosciences. Uses a special protein-extension technology to last longer in the body than semaglutide. Late-stage Phase 3 trials in China showed body weight loss of 14-15% in obesity and good blood-sugar control in type 2 diabetes. Approval in China is expected first, with international filings to follow. One of several Chinese-developed GLP-1s reaching the global market.
What is the dosage for Ecnoglutide?
Phase 3 trials: 1.2-2.4 mg subcutaneous once weekly with stepwise dose escalation over 8-12 weeks, similar to semaglutide. Optimal maintenance dosing being established for both obesity and type 2 diabetes indications.
What are the side effects of Ecnoglutide?
Common: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite (similar profile to semaglutide). Serious: pancreatitis, gallstones, dehydration. Rare: thyroid C-cell tumour class warning, severe allergic reactions. Most safety data so far is from Chinese trial populations; broader safety profile being characterised in international trials.
How does Ecnoglutide work?
Ecnoglutide is a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist engineered for once-weekly subcutaneous dosing using a structural design distinct from albumin-binding (semaglutide) or PEGylation. The molecule incorporates extended-half-life modifications that resist DPP-4 enzymatic degradation while maintaining high-affinity binding and full agonist activity at the GLP-1 receptor. Receptor activation produces the standard GLP-1 pharmacology: glucose-dependent insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells, suppression of glucagon release from alpha cells, slowed gastric emptying via vagal signalling, and central appetite suppression through hypothalamic and brainstem GLP-1 receptors. The clinical profile in Chinese Phase 3 trials closely mirrors semaglutide — approximately 14-15% body weight loss in obesity studies and substantial HbA1c reductions in type 2 diabetes trials — positioning ecnoglutide as a regional alternative to Wegovy and Ozempic with potentially lower pricing. Ecnoglutide reflects a broader trend of Chinese biotech companies developing GLP-1 receptor agonists for both domestic and international markets. Sciwind Biosciences has filed for regulatory approval in China and is pursuing international development pathways. The molecule is one of several Chinese-developed GLP-1s approaching commercial launch alongside mazdutide, retatrutide-class triple agonists in early Chinese development, and a wave of biosimilar semaglutide products expected as patents expire in major markets through the late 2020s.
How is Ecnoglutide administered?
Ecnoglutide is administered via subcutaneous injection (once weekly).
What is the half-life of Ecnoglutide?
The half-life of Ecnoglutide is Approximately 7-10 days, supporting once-weekly dosing.
Is Ecnoglutide legal?
Not yet FDA approved. Phase 3 trials in China have read out positively for obesity and type 2 diabetes; Chinese NMPA approval expected first, international filings to follow (Sciwind Biosciences).
Sources. This profile is built from peer-reviewed papers indexed on PubMed, FDA-approved labelling where available, and published clinical guidelines. The 5 primary sources used are listed in the Research Papers section above, each linked to its PubMed entry. See our editorial standards for how we research and review peptide profiles.
Last reviewed. by the Peptide Reference Editorial Team. Spot an error? Email a correction.
Not medical advice. Information on this page is for educational and research reference only. Many peptides covered are not approved for human use. See our full medical disclaimer.
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