UBT251, A Triple Agonist, Delivers Up To 19.7% Mean Weight Loss in Phase 2 Trial

The United Laboratories International Holdings Limited and Novo Nordisk have announced topline results from a Chinese phase 2 trial of UBT251, a triple GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon agonist being jointly developed by United Laboratories International Holdings Limited’s wholly-owned subsidiary United Biotechnology and Novo Nordisk.1

The trial, conducted by United Biotechnology, investigated the safety and efficacy of once-weekly injectable 2 mg, 4 mg and 6 mg doses of UBT251 compared to placebo in Chinese people with overweight or obesity. From a baseline mean body weight of 92.2 kg, the greatest mean weight loss observed for people treated with UBT251 was 19.7% (-17.5 kg) compared to 2.0% (-1.6kg) in the placebo group after 24 weeks of treatment.1

“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,” Martin Holst Lange, executive vice president, chief scientific officer and head of Research and Development at Novo Nordisk, said in a statement.1 “We look forward to reporting data from a global trial with UBT251 conducted by Novo Nordisk next year.”

The data come on the heels of data from the phase 3 REFINE 4 trial showing that CagriSema, Novo Nordisk’s fixed dose combination of cagrilintide 2.4 mg and semaglutide 2.4 mg, achieved 23% weight loss after 84 weeks of treatment but did not meet the primary endpoint for noninferiority on weight loss compared to tirzepatide 15 mg at 84 weeks.2

In December 2025, Eli Lilly and Company announced positive topline results from the phase 3 TRIUMPH-4 clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of retatrutide, a first-in-class GIP, GLP-1 and glucagon triple hormone receptor agonist, in adults with obesity or overweight and knee osteoarthritis and without diabetes. In the global registration trial, where 84.0% of participants had a baseline BMI of ≥35 kg/m², retatrutide lowered weight by up to an average of 28.7% (71.2 lbs) at 68 weeks. In the present phase 2 study, UBT251 lowered weight by an average of 19.7% (17.5 kg; 38.6 lbs) at 24 weeks.1,3

UBT251 is a long-acting synthetic peptide triple agonist targeting the receptors for GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon. In March 2025, United Biotechnology entered an exclusive license agreement with Novo Nordisk for UBT251. Under the agreement, Novo Nordisk obtained exclusive worldwide rights, excluding Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, to develop, manufacture and commercialise UBT251.1

The phase 2 trial randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolled a total of 205 Chinese patients with obesity, defined as BMI ≥ 28.0 kg/m², or overweight, defined as 24.0 kg/m² ≤ BMI < 28.0 kg/m², with ≥ 1 weight-related comorbidity. The baseline mean body weight of the patients was 92.2 kg, with a baseline mean BMI of 33.1 kg/m².1

Patients were randomly assigned to receive weekly subcutaneous injections of UBT251 in doses of 2 mg, 4 mg, 6 mg, or placebo for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was the percentage change in body weight from baseline after 24 weeks of treatment.1

As described in the press release, results showed that after 24 weeks of treatment, the greatest mean weight loss observed for people treated with UBT251 was 19.7% (-17.5 kg) compared to 2.0% (-1.6kg) in the placebo group. Of note, all dose groups of UBT251 showed statistically significant improvements relative to placebo on key secondary endpoints, including waist circumference, blood glucose, blood pressure and lipids.1

In the trial, UBT251 appeared to have a safe and well-tolerated profile, with the most common adverse events being gastrointestinal and the vast majority being mild to moderate and diminished over time, consistent with incretin-based therapies.1

“The success of the phase 2 clinical trial of UBT251 in China represents another significant milestone in TUL’s innovation-driven development,” said Tsoi Hoi Shan, Chairman of United Laboratories International Holdings Limited.1 “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.”

United Biotechnology described plans to present detailed data from the Chinese phase 2 trial at a medical congress later this year. Additionally, based on the results of this trial, the Company is planning to initiate a phase 3 trial in Chinese patients with overweight or obesity.1

Novo Nordisk recently initiated a global phase 1b/2a trial investigating the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of different doses of UBT251 for up to 28 weeks in around 330 people living with overweight or obesity, with topline data expected in 2027. Novo Nordisk additionally expects to initiate a phase 2 trial with UBT251 in people with type 2 diabetes in the second half of 2026.1

References

1. Novo Nordisk. Novo Nordisk: Triple agonist UBT251 delivers up to 19.7% mean weight loss after 24 weeks in phase 2 trial in China. February 24, 2026. Accessed February 24, 2026. https://www.novonordisk.com/content/nncorp/global/en/news-and-media/news-and-ir-materials/news-details.html?id=916503

2. Livingston R. CagriSema Demonstrates Weight Loss, Fails to Achieve Primary Endpoint Compared to Tirzepatide. February 23, 2026. Accessed February 24, 2026. https://www.hcplive.com/view/cagrisema-demonstrates-weight-loss-fails-to-achieve-primary-endpoint-compared-to-tirzepatide

3. Lilly. Lilly's triple agonist, retatrutide, delivered weight loss of up to an average of 71.2 lbs along with substantial relief from osteoarthritis pain in first successful Phase 3 trial. December 11, 2025. Accessed February 24, 2026. https://lilly.mediaroom.com/2025-12-11-Lillys-triple-agonist,-retatrutide,-delivered-weight-loss-of-up-to-an-average-of-71-2-lbs-along-with-substantial-relief-from-osteoarthritis-pain-in-first-successful-Phase-3-trial