The United Laboratories International Holdings Limited (TUL) And Novo Nordisk Report Positive Phase 2 Data For UBT251 Triple Agonist In Obesity

The United Laboratories International Holdings Limited (TUL) and Novo Nordisk A/S announced positive topline results from a Chinese Phase 2 trial evaluating UBT251, a triple agonist targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors (triple G). UBT251 is being co-developed by TUL’s wholly owned subsidiary, The United Bio-Technology (Hengqin) Co., Ltd., and Novo Nordisk under a March 2025 agreement. United Biotechnology leads development in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, while Novo Nordisk oversees development in the rest of the world.

“The success of the phase 2 clinical trial of UBT251 in China represents another significant milestone in TUL’s innovation-driven development,” said Mr Tsoi Hoi Shan, Chairman of TUL. “We will continue to focus on chronic diseases, including endocrine and metabolic disorders, accelerate the further development of UBT251, and strive to bring more high-quality treatment options to patients worldwide at the earliest opportunity.”

The randomized trial assessed once-weekly injectable doses of 2 mg, 4 mg, and 6 mg UBT251 versus placebo in Chinese adults with overweight or obesity. From a baseline mean body weight of 92.2 kg, participants receiving the highest dose achieved a mean weight reduction of 19.7% (–17.5 kg) at 24 weeks, compared with 2.0% (–1.6 kg) in the placebo group.

“We are very encouraged by these data from the trial in China, which demonstrate the potential of UBT251 and its differentiated clinical profile and safety and tolerability profile,” said Martin Holst Lange, executive vice president, chief scientific officer and head of Research and Development at Novo Nordisk. “We look forward to reporting data from a global trial with UBT251 conducted by Novo Nordisk next year.”

All dose groups demonstrated statistically significant improvements over placebo across key secondary endpoints, including waist circumference, blood glucose, blood pressure, and lipid levels. The therapy was generally well tolerated, with the most common adverse events being gastrointestinal in nature. These events were mostly mild to moderate and decreased over time, consistent with the safety profile typically observed in incretin-based treatments.

Novo Nordisk has also initiated a global Phase 1b/2a study evaluating multiple doses of UBT251 in approximately 330 participants with overweight or obesity, with topline results expected in 2027. Additionally, the company plans to begin a Phase 2 trial in patients with type 2 diabetes in the second half of 2026. United Biotechnology intends to present detailed Phase 2 data at a medical congress later this year and is preparing to initiate a Phase 3 trial in Chinese patients with overweight or obesity.