Contents
Key Highlights
- Mid-stage Chinese clinical trial shows UBT251 delivering up to 19.7% mean weight reduction over 24 weeks
- Triple-hormone mechanism targets GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors, hence the “triple G” nickname
- Adverse events were predominantly mild to moderate, showing improvement with continued use
- Data released just 24 hours after CagriSema underperformed against Eli Lilly’s Zepbound in comparative study
- Novo acquired worldwide rights through a partnership valued at up to $2 billion in March 2025
On Tuesday, Novo Nordisk alongside United Laboratories International disclosed positive results from their investigational obesity treatment UBT251, demonstrating up to 19.7% mean weight reduction following 24 weeks of treatment in a Chinese mid-stage clinical study.
By comparison, participants receiving placebo experienced only 2.0% weight loss during the identical timeframe. Trial participants began with an average body weight of 92.2 kilograms at baseline.
The clinical study evaluated various once-weekly subcutaneous doses of UBT251 compared to placebo among Chinese participants classified as overweight or obese. Beyond the primary endpoint, participants showed favorable changes in secondary measures such as waist circumference reduction, improved glycemic control, and better blood pressure readings.
Reported adverse events were primarily gastrointestinal, categorized as mild to moderate in severity, and diminished as treatment continued. Both companies characterized the safety profile as favorable and well-tolerated by participants.
The Triple-Hormone Approach
UBT251 distinguishes itself through its three-pronged hormonal mechanism. The compound activates GLP-1 receptors for appetite control, engages GIP receptors to enhance satiety and regulate glucose, and stimulates glucagon receptors to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. This three-way targeting mechanism earned the drug its “triple G” designation.
Established obesity medications like Wegovy and Zepbound primarily activate only GLP-1 receptors, positioning UBT251 as a more comprehensive therapeutic approach.
Challenging Period for Novo Nordisk
This positive UBT251 announcement follows challenging news from just a day earlier. Novo Nordisk’s CagriSema candidate produced 23% weight loss across 84 weeks but couldn’t match Eli Lilly’s tirzepatide performance, which achieved 25.5% weight reduction in direct comparison.
Shares of Novo Nordisk declined 3.10% after the CagriSema disappointing results.
United Biotechnology, responsible for executing the Chinese trial, intends to advance UBT251 into late-stage testing within China. Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk has independently initiated a global study enrolling approximately 330 participants, with readouts anticipated in 2027.
An additional mid-stage study focused on Type 2 diabetes patients is scheduled to begin later this year.
The Licensing Agreement
Novo Nordisk secured worldwide commercialization rights to UBT251 in March 2025 via a licensing agreement with United Laboratories potentially valued at $2 billion. United Biotechnology maintained commercialization rights for mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan territories.
Martin Holst Lange, Chief Scientific Officer at Novo Nordisk, characterized the trial results as “very encouraging” and emphasized they validate UBT251’s therapeutic potential.
Separately, the company pursued acquisition of American biotech Metsera to strengthen its development pipeline but ultimately lost that transaction to Pfizer.
