Novo Nordisk A/S Reports Up to 2.16% HbA1c Reduction with Triple Agonist UBT251 After 24 Weeks in Phase 2 Trial Among Chinese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
The United Laboratories International Holdings Limited and Novo Nordisk A/S have announced encouraging topline results from a Phase 2 clinical trial in China evaluating UBT251, an investigational triple agonist targeting the receptors for GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon—often referred to as a “triple-G” therapy. The findings represent an important step forward in the development of next-generation metabolic treatments aimed at improving outcomes for people living with Type 2 Diabetes.
UBT251 is being co-developed through a strategic collaboration between Novo Nordisk and The United Bio-Technology (Hengqin) Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of TUL. Under the terms of the agreement signed in March 2025, United Biotechnology is responsible for advancing development in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, while Novo Nordisk is leading development efforts across the rest of the world. This partnership reflects a broader trend in global drug development, where regional expertise and international capabilities are combined to accelerate innovation and expand access to promising therapies.
The Phase 2 study, conducted in China, was designed to evaluate both the safety and efficacy of UBT251 in adults with type 2 diabetes. The trial tested once-weekly injectable doses of 2 mg, 4 mg, and 6 mg of the investigational drug, comparing outcomes against placebo as well as against semaglutide 1 mg, an established GLP-1 receptor agonist widely used in diabetes management. This comparative design provides valuable context for understanding how UBT251 may perform relative to current standard-of-care treatments.
The results demonstrated notable improvements in glycemic control among patients receiving UBT251. Participants enrolled in the study had a baseline mean glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level of 8.12%, indicating suboptimal blood sugar control at the outset. After 24 weeks of treatment, the greatest reduction in HbA1c observed in the UBT251 groups reached 2.16%, compared with a 1.77% reduction in the semaglutide group and a 0.66% reduction in the placebo group. These findings suggest that UBT251 may offer enhanced glucose-lowering efficacy compared to currently available therapies.
In addition to improving glycemic control, UBT251 also demonstrated significant benefits in terms of weight reduction, an important consideration in the management of type 2 diabetes. Patients in the trial had a baseline mean body weight of 80.1 kg and a mean body mass index (BMI) of 29.1 kg/m², placing many in the overweight or obese category. Novo Nordisk Treatment with UBT251 resulted in mean body weight reductions of up to 9.8%, compared with 4.8% in the semaglutide group and 1.4% in the placebo group. These results highlight the potential of UBT251 to address both hyperglycemia and excess weight—two key drivers of metabolic disease.
Beyond these primary endpoints, the study also reported improvements in several important secondary measures. Patients receiving UBT251 experienced favorable changes in waist circumference, blood pressure, and lipid profiles compared with placebo. These additional benefits suggest that the drug may have a broader impact on cardiometabolic health, which is particularly relevant given the increased risk of cardiovascular complications in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
From a safety perspective, UBT251 was generally well tolerated. The safety and tolerability profile observed in the trial was consistent with findings from other studies involving triple agonist therapies. While detailed safety data have not yet been fully disclosed, the overall results indicate that the treatment’s risk-benefit profile remains favorable, supporting its continued clinical development.
Company leadership from both organizations expressed optimism about the results and the future potential of UBT251. Tsoi Hoi Shan, Chairman of TUL, described the successful completion of the Phase 2 trial as a major milestone in the Novo Nordisk company’s innovation strategy. He emphasized TUL’s commitment to advancing the program into late-stage development, noting that Phase 3 trials in China will be initiated to further evaluate the drug’s efficacy and safety in a larger patient population.
From Novo Nordisk’s perspective, the results reinforce the company’s growing interest in multi-receptor agonist therapies as a next frontier in metabolic disease treatment. Martin Holst Lange, Executive Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer at Novo Nordisk, highlighted the consistency of these findings with previous positive data observed in patients with overweight or obesity. He noted that the results strengthen confidence in UBT251’s potential across multiple indications, including both diabetes and weight management.
Novo Nordisk is already taking steps to expand the global development program for UBT251. The company plans to initiate a global Phase 2 trial in patients with type 2 diabetes in the second half of 2026. In parallel, it is conducting an ongoing global Phase 1b/2a trial evaluating the drug in individuals with overweight or obesity. This study is designed to assess safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics across a range of doses over a treatment period of up to 28 weeks, with topline results expected in 2027.
Meanwhile, United Biotechnology is preparing to present detailed data from the Chinese Phase 2 trial at an upcoming medical congress later this year. These data will provide deeper insights into the clinical performance of UBT251 and are expected to inform the design of future studies. Based on the promising topline results, the company is planning to launch two Phase 3 trials in China, marking the next critical step toward potential regulatory approval in the region.
The development of UBT251 reflects a broader shift in diabetes treatment toward therapies that target multiple metabolic pathways simultaneously. By activating GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors, triple agonists aim to deliver more comprehensive metabolic benefits than single-pathway drugs. This approach has the potential to improve glycemic control, promote weight loss, and address other risk factors associated with metabolic disease in a more integrated manner.
In summary, the Phase 2 results for UBT251 represent a promising advancement in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. With strong efficacy signals in both glucose control and weight reduction, along with a favorable safety profile, the therapy is well positioned for дальней development. As both TUL and Novo Nordisk move forward with global and regional clinical programs, UBT251 could emerge as a next-generation treatment option that reshapes the standard of care for patients living with diabetes and related metabolic conditions.
About the Chinese phase 2 trial
This randomised, double-blind, placebo- and semaglutide-controlled trial enrolled a total of 211 Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes (managed with lifestyle intervention alone or in combination with metformin). At baseline, the patients 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 randomly assigned to receive weekly subcutaneous injections of UBT251 in doses of 2 mg, 4 mg, 6 mg or placebo, or semaglutide 1 mg for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint of the trial was the change in HbA1c from baseline after 24 weeks of treatment.
About UBT251
UBT251 is a long-acting synthetic peptide triple agonist targeting the receptors for GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and glucagon.
In March 2025, United Biotechnology entered an exclusive license agreement with Novo Nordisk A/S for UBT251. Under the agreement, Novo Nordisk obtained exclusive worldwide rights (excluding Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan) to develop, manufacture and commercialise UBT251. United Biotechnology retained the rights for UBT251 in Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.
About TUL and United Biotechnology
Founded in 1990, TUL (HKEX: 3933) is mainly engaged in the research and development, production and sales of pharmaceuticals, and ranks among the leading integrated pharmaceutical companies in China. TUL currently boasts eleven production bases, covering intermediate products, bulk medicine, finished products, health & wellness products, animal healthcare products, empty capsule casings, and medical devices, with the sales networks dotted across nearly 80 countries and regions. United Biotechnology, located in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, serves as the biopharmaceutical R&D headquarter of TUL. United Biotechnology focuses on the development of high-end biopharmaceuticals to treat major chronic diseases. For more information, please visit www.tul.com.cn.
About Novo Nordisk
Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company, founded in 1923 and headquartered in Denmark. Our purpose is to drive change to defeat serious chronic diseases, built upon our heritage in diabetes. We do so by pioneering scientific breakthroughs, expanding access to our medicines, and working to prevent and ultimately cure disease. Novo Nordisk employs about 68,800 people in 80 countries and markets its products in around 170 countries.
Source Link:https://www.novonordisk.com/
