United Biotechnology and Novo Nordisk have reported topline results from a phase 2 trial of UBT251 in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes, demonstrating reductions in HbA1c and body weight over 24 weeks.

• Trial outcomes: UBT251 achieved a mean HbA1c reduction of up to 2.16% after 24 weeks, compared to 1.77% with semaglutide 1 mg and 0.66% with placebo. Mean body weight reduction reached up to 9.8%, versus 4.8% and 1.4%, respectively.
• Study design: The randomised, double-blind trial enrolled 211 Chinese patients receiving once-weekly subcutaneous doses of 2 mg, 4 mg, or 6 mg UBT251, compared against placebo and semaglutide 1 mg, with a baseline mean HbA1c of 8.12%.
• Additional findings: Improvements were observed in secondary endpoints including waist circumference, blood pressure, and lipid levels. The safety and tolerability profile was consistent with other triple agonists targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors.
• Next steps: Based on these results, United Biotechnology plans to initiate phase 3 trials in China. Novo Nordisk is expected to begin a global phase 2 trial in type 2 diabetes in the second half of 2026, alongside ongoing studies in overweight and obesity populations.

This summary is based on a press release issued by The United Laboratories International Holdings Limited.

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