Novo Nordisk’s UBT251 Shows Up to 2.16% HbA1c Reduction in Phase 2 Diabetes Trial

The United Laboratories International Holdings Limited (TUL) and Novo Nordisk A/S have announced topline results from a Chinese phase 2 trial of UBT251, a triple agonist targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors.

UBT251 is being jointly developed by TUL’s subsidiary, The United Bio-Technology (Hengqin) Co., Ltd. (United Biotechnology), and Novo Nordisk under an agreement signed in March 2025. United Biotechnology leads development across mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, while Novo Nordisk oversees development in other global markets.

The trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of once-weekly injectable doses of 2 mg, 4 mg, and 6 mg of UBT251, compared with placebo and semaglutide 1 mg, in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes.

From a baseline mean HbA1c of 8.12%, the highest reduction observed in the UBT251 group was 2.16%, compared to 1.77% in the semaglutide group and 0.66% in the placebo group after 24 weeks.

In terms of weight outcomes, from a baseline mean body weight of 80.1 kg and BMI of 29.1 kg/m², UBT251 demonstrated a mean body weight reduction of up to 9.8%, compared to 4.8% with semaglutide and 1.4% with placebo.

The treatment also showed improvements over placebo in secondary endpoints, including waist circumference, blood pressure, and lipid levels. The safety and tolerability profile was consistent with previous studies involving triple agonists.

"The success of the phase 2 trial for UBT251 in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes marks a significant milestone in the innovative development of TUL,” remarked Mr Tsoi Hoi Shan, Chairman of TUL. "We will fully advance the phase 3 trial in China, committed to providing superior treatment options for patients worldwide.”

“Following the recent positive read-out of phase 2 data in people with overweight or obesity, we are encouraged to see the results of this trial, which also demonstrate the potential of UBT251 in a type 2 diabetes population,” said Martin Holst Lange, executive vice president, chief scientific officer and head of Research and Development at Novo Nordisk. “Novo Nordisk will initiate a global phase 2 trial with UBT251 in people with type 2 diabetes later this year, and we are already conducting a global phase 2 trial in weight management that will read out next year.”

Novo Nordisk has also initiated a global phase 1b/2a trial to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of UBT251 in around 330 individuals with overweight or obesity, with topline data expected in 2027.

The company plans to initiate a global phase 2 trial in type 2 diabetes in the second half of 2026. Meanwhile, United Biotechnology is expected to present detailed data from the Chinese phase 2 study at an upcoming medical congress and is planning to initiate two phase 3 trials in Chinese patients based on these results.