- UBT251 is a long-acting synthetic peptide triple agonist (GLP-1/GIP/glucagon) co-developed by United Biotechnology (TUL) and Novo Nordisk, with United Biotechnology holding rights in China/HK/Macau/Taiwan and Novo Nordisk for the rest of world.
- In a randomized, double-blind Chinese phase 2 trial (n=211), once-weekly UBT251 (2, 4, 6 mg) reduced mean HbA1c up to 2.16% at 24 weeks versus 1.77% for semaglutide 1 mg and 0.66% for placebo.
- Mean body weight fell up to 9.8% with UBT251 from baseline 80.1 kg (BMI 29.1), versus 4.8% for semaglutide and 1.4% for placebo.
- Key timelines: licence signed March 2025; press release 25 Mar 2026; Novo Nordisk will start a global phase-2 T2D trial in H2 2026 and expects topline weight-management phase-1b/2a data in 2027; United Biotechnology plans two China phase-3 trials.
UBT251 and collaboration
UBT251 is a long‑acting synthetic peptide triple agonist targeting GLP‑1, GIP and glucagon, co‑developed by The United Bio‑Technology (TUL) and Novo Nordisk; a March 2025 licence gives United Biotechnology rights in Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan and Novo Nordisk rights for the rest of the world.
Phase 2 trial design
A randomized, double‑blind, placebo‑ and semaglutide‑controlled phase 2 trial in 211 Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes (baseline mean HbA1c 8.12%, weight 80.1 kg, BMI 29.1) evaluated once‑weekly subcutaneous UBT251 at 2, 4 and 6 mg versus placebo and semaglutide 1 mg over 24 weeks; the primary endpoint was change in HbA1c.
Efficacy results
The highest mean HbA1c reduction with UBT251 was 2.16% at 24 weeks versus 1.77% for semaglutide 1 mg and 0.66% for placebo; mean body weight fell up to 9.8% with UBT251 versus 4.8% for semaglutide and 1.4% for placebo; additional improvements were seen in waist circumference, blood pressure and lipids.
Safety and next steps
Safety and tolerability were consistent with observations for other triple‑G agonists; detailed Chinese phase 2 data will be presented at a medical congress, United Biotechnology plans two China phase 3 trials, Novo Nordisk will start a global phase 2 T2D trial in H2 2026 and expects topline weight‑management phase 1b/2a data in 2027; results were announced 25 March 2026.
