Novo Nordisk and United Laboratories’ jointly developed triple G drug has achieved a 19.7% weight loss in a Phase II trial in China.
In the study (ChiCTR2500113817), UBT251, a triple agonist of the receptors for GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon (triple G), was investigated at three doses – 2mg, 4mg and 6mg – compared to placebo.
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From a baseline mean body weight of 92.2kg, the highest mean weight loss observed for people treated with UBT251 was 19.7% compared to 2.0% in the placebo group after 24 weeks of treatment. This reflects a mean weight loss of 17.5kg, compared to 1.6kg on placebo.
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.
UBT251 appeared to be safe and well-tolerated, with the most common adverse events being gastrointestinal, and the vast majority were mild to moderate and diminished over time, consistent with incretin-based therapies.
More detailed data from the trial will be presented at a medical congress later in 2026. Based on the results of the Phase II study, the company is planning to initiate a Phase III trial in Chinese patients with overweight or obesity.
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By GlobalDataTsoi Hoi Shan, chairman of United Laboratories, said: “The success of the Phase II clinical trial of UBT251 in China represents another significant milestone in United Laboratories innovation-driven development. 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.”
UBT251 is being jointly developed by United Bio-Technology, a subsidiary of United Laboratories, and Novo Nordisk under an agreement signed in March 2025. United Biotechnology is responsible for development in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, while Novo Nordisk is responsible for the rest of the world.
Martin Holst Lange, executive vice president, chief scientific officer and head of Research and Development at Novo Nordisk, said: “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. We look forward to reporting data from a global trial with UBT251 conducted by Novo Nordisk next year.”
Novo Nordisk recently initiated a global Phase Ib/IIa trial (NCT07395687) investigating the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of different doses of UBT251 for up to 28 weeks in around 330 patients who are overweight or with obesity. Topline data from that trial is expected in 2027. The company is also set to initiate a Phase II trial of UBT251 in patients with type 2 diabetes in H2 2026.
This will come as welcome news to Novo Nordisk after its weight loss candidate CagriSema was less effective than Eli Lilly’s Zepbound (tirzepatide) in a Phase III, head-to-head trial.
Novo Nordisk has, however, got an early edge over Eli Lilly in the oral weight loss space, having gained approval of its oral version of semaglutide for obesity in December 2025. Lilly is awaiting the FDA’s decision on its oral candidate orforglipron, which is due in April 2026.
