Phase 2 Trial: UBT251 Triple Agonist Achieves 19.7% Weight Loss at 24 Weeks

UBT251, a once-weekly injectable triple agonist targeting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), and glucagon receptors, led to a mean weight loss of up to 19.7% after 24 weeks in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial conducted in Chinese adults with overweight or obesity, according to Novo Nordisk and The United Laboratories International Holdings Limited.

From a baseline mean body weight of 92.2 kg, the highest mean weight loss observed among participants treated with UBT251 was 19.7% (−17.5 kg), compared with 2.0% (−1.6 kg) in the placebo group at 24 weeks, based on the efficacy estimand according to the trial protocol and regardless of dose modification.

The trial enrolled 205 Chinese adults with obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥28.0 kg/m²) or overweight (BMI 24.0 to <28.0 kg/m²) with at least one weight-related comorbidity. The mean baseline BMI was 33.1 kg/m². Participants were randomly assigned to receive once-weekly subcutaneous UBT251 at doses of 2 mg, 4 mg, or 6 mg, or placebo, for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was percentage change in body weight from baseline at week 24.

All UBT251 dose groups demonstrated statistically significant improvements versus placebo across key secondary endpoints, including waist circumference, blood glucose, blood pressure, and lipid parameters.

In the trial, UBT251 appeared to have a safe and well-tolerated profile. The most common adverse events were gastrointestinal, and the majority were mild to moderate in severity and diminished over time, consistent with incretin-based therapies.

“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.”

“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.”

UBT251 is a long-acting synthetic peptide triple agonist designed to target GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors. It is being jointly developed by United Biotechnology, a wholly owned subsidiary of TUL, and Novo Nordisk under an agreement signed in March 2025. United Biotechnology retains development rights in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, while Novo Nordisk holds exclusive rights in the rest of the world.

Novo Nordisk has initiated a global phase 1b/2a trial evaluating the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of multiple UBT251 doses for up to 28 weeks in approximately 330 adults with overweight or obesity. Topline data from that study are expected in 2027. The company also plans to initiate a phase 2 trial in adults with type 2 diabetes in the second half of 2026.

United Biotechnology plans to present detailed data from the Chinese phase 2 trial at a medical congress later this year and intends to initiate a phase 3 trial in Chinese patients with overweight or obesity based on these results.

References: Novo Nordisk: Triple agonist UBT251 delivers up to 19.7% mean weight loss after 24 weeks in phase 2 trial in China. News release. Novo Nordisk. February 24, 2026. Accessed February 24, 2026. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/02/24/3243205/0/en/Novo-Nordisk-Triple-agonist-UBT251-delivers-up-to-19-7-mean-weight-loss-after-24-weeks-in-phase-2-trial-in-China.html