Pfizer-Partnered Obesity Drugmaker Eyes Deals Outside China

Hangzhou Sciwind Biosciences Co. is in “deep discussions” to expand its weight-loss drug beyond China, buoyed by new clinical data that shows the therapy helped patients lose more weight than Novo Nordisk A/S’s Wegovy.

Sciwind is pursuing agreements in both major Western markets and fast-growing emerging markets to fully capture the drug’s commercial potential, Chief Executive Officer Hai Pan said in an interview. The drug, ecnoglutide, is currently only available in China, where Pfizer Inc. acquired exclusive local rights for up to $495 million.

That deal does not extend outside the country, leaving Sciwind free to negotiate ex-China ...