Novo Nordisk and The United Laboratories International Holdings Limited reported topline results from a Phase II trial of UBT251, a once-weekly injectable triple agonist targeting the GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors, in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes. According to the companies, UBT251 achieved a mean HbA1c reduction of up to 2.16% from a baseline of 8.12% after 24 weeks, compared with 1.77% for semaglutide 1 mg and 0.66% for placebo. Mean body weight reduction with UBT251 reached up to 9.8% from a baseline of 80.1 kg, versus 4.8% with semaglutide 1 mg and 1.4% with placebo. The companies said UBT251 also showed improvements relative to placebo on secondary endpoints including waist circumference, blood pressure, and lipids, though detailed numerical results for these measures were not disclosed. The safety and tolerability profile, the companies said, appeared consistent with what has been observed in other trials of triple-G agonists; specific adverse event rates and discontinuation data were not reported.
The randomized, double-blind, placebo- and semaglutide-controlled trial enrolled 211 Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes managed by lifestyle intervention alone or with metformin. Patients were assigned to weekly subcutaneous injections of UBT251 at 2 mg, 4 mg, or 6 mg, or to placebo or semaglutide 1 mg, for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was change in HbA1c from baseline. The companies did not disclose per-dose-group efficacy breakdowns, individual arm sample sizes, or detailed safety data. HbA1c and weight results were reported as estimated from an analysis of covariance model using an efficacy estimand regardless of dose modification or changes to background metformin. The data are based on a single 24-week trial in a Chinese population, and detailed results are expected to be presented at a medical congress later this year.
UBT251 is a long-acting synthetic peptide that simultaneously activates the receptors for GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon. Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist marketed by Novo Nordisk, served as an active comparator in this trial at a dose of 1 mg; cross-trial comparisons are limited by differences in study design, duration, and patient populations. Novo Nordisk said it plans to initiate a global Phase II trial of UBT251 in type 2 diabetes in the second half of 2026, while United Biotechnology intends to advance two Phase III trials in Chinese patients. A separate global Phase Ib/IIa trial of UBT251 in people with overweight or obesity, enrolling approximately 330 participants, is ongoing, with topline data expected in 2027.
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