Xinermei Outperforms Semaglutide in Diabetes Control, Poised to Become China’s Next Blockbuster Drug

Innovent Biologics’ GLP-1 receptor agonist Xinermei (mazdutide) has surpassed Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide in glycaemic and weight control, according to Phase III DREAMS-3 results. At week 32, 48% of patients treated with Xinermei achieved HbA1c below 7% and over 10% body weight loss, compared to 21% on semaglutide. The drug showed greater mean HbA1c reduction (2.03% vs. 1.84%) and higher weight loss (10.29% vs. 6%). Its safety profile remained consistent, with mostly mild gastrointestinal effects. Innovent, which licensed the drug from Eli Lilly in 2019, has secured Chinese approval for overweight and obese patients. Analysts at GlobalData project Xinermei to generate $1.1 billion in China by 2030, positioning it as a major contender amid rivals like Sciwind’s ecnoglutide and Hengrui’s dual GIP/GLP-1RA therapy.

28-10-2025