Novo Nordisk and TUL report positive Phase 2 results for UBT251, a GLP-1/GIP/glucagon triple agonist that significantly reduced HbA1c and body weight in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes.
Written By: Chikkula Pavan Kumar, PharmD
Reviewed By: Pharmacally Editorial Team
Novo Nordisk and The United Laboratories International Holdings Limited (TUL) have reported positive topline results from a Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating UBT251, a novel triple-receptor agonist targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon, in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes. The investigational therapy demonstrated meaningful improvements in glycemic control and body weight compared with placebo and semaglutide.
UBT251 is being jointly developed by TUL’s subsidiary United Bio-Technology (Hengqin) Co., Ltd. and Novo Nordisk under a collaboration signed in March 2025. Under the agreement, United Biotechnology leads development in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, while Novo Nordisk holds development and commercialization rights in the rest of the world.
Martin Holst Lange, Executive Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer at Novo Nordisk, said the findings reinforce the potential of UBT251 across metabolic diseases. He added that Novo Nordisk plans to initiate a global Phase 2 study in people with type 2 diabetes later in 2026.
Phase 2 Trial Results
The randomized, double-blind Phase 2 study (NCT07163624) enrolled 211 Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes managed with lifestyle interventions alone or with metformin. At baseline, participants had a mean HbA1c of 8.12%, a mean body weight of 80.1 kg, and a mean body mass index (BMI) of 29.1 kg/m². Patients were randomized to receive once-weekly subcutaneous UBT251 at doses of 2 mg, 4 mg, or 6 mg, or placebo or semaglutide 1 mg for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was change in HbA1c from baseline.
From a baseline mean HbA1c the greatest reduction observed with UBT251 reached 2.16%, compared with 1.77% in the semaglutide group and 0.66% with placebo after 24 weeks. In addition to glycemic control, the therapy also produced notable weight loss. Patients receiving UBT251 achieved up to 9.8% mean body-weight reduction, compared with 4.8% with semaglutide and 1.4% with placebo.
UBT251 also improved several cardiometabolic markers relative to placebo, including waist circumference, blood pressure, and lipid levels. The safety and tolerability profile appeared consistent with what has been reported in other triple-agonist therapies targeting metabolic disease.
Mr. Tsoi Hoi Shan, Chairman of TUL, described the trial outcome as an important milestone for the company’s innovation strategy, noting that the company plans to move forward with Phase 3 development in China to expand treatment options for patients with diabetes worldwide.
Global Development Plans
In parallel, Novo Nordisk has already launched a global Phase 1b/2a trial evaluating the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of UBT251 in around 330 people living with overweight or obesity. That study is expected to report topline results in 2027.
Based on the encouraging Phase 2 diabetes results, United Biotechnology also plans to initiate two Phase 3 trials in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes, with detailed results from the current study expected to be presented at a scientific congress later this year.
UBT251 has also shown promising results in a separate Chinese Phase 2 trial (NCT07177469) in adults with overweight or obesity, supporting its broader potential across metabolic diseases.
UBT251 is a long-acting synthetic peptide designed to activate the receptors for GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide), and glucagon. This triple-agonist mechanism aims to deliver stronger metabolic benefits by combining glycemic control with weight-loss and energy-balance effects.
Reference
Novo Nordisk A/S: Triple agonist UBT251 showed a mean HbA1c reduction of up to 2.16% after 24 weeks in phase 2 trial in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes, 25 March 2026, News Details
UBT251 Injection Phase II (Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus) Study (T2DM), ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT07163624, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07163624
About the Writer
Chikkula Pavan Kumar, PharmD is a Doctor of Pharmacy with a keen interest in clinical pharmacy, pharmacovigilance, and evidence-based practice. In his words, he is passionate about patient safety and translating complex medical information into clear, research-driven communication.