24 February 20206
Novo Nordisk A/S and The United Bio-Technology (a subsidiary of United Laboratories International) on Tuesday reported positive topline results from a Phase 2 clinical trial of UBT251, a triple receptor agonist targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors — sometimes called a “triple G” compound.
The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 study was conducted in China in people living with overweight or obesity. After 24 weeks of once-weekly subcutaneous injections of UBT251, the highest dose group achieved a mean weight reduction of up to 19.7%, compared with only about 2.0% in the placebo group.
Efficacy and secondary outcomes
Across dose cohorts, UBT251 demonstrated statistically significant improvements over placebo not only in body weight reduction but also in key secondary endpoints, including:waist circumference, blood glucose levels, blood pressure, and lipid profiles.
These results suggest a meaningful metabolic benefit beyond weight loss alone.
Safety and tolerability
The treatment was well tolerated, with the safety profile consistent with expectations for incretin-based therapies. Gastrointestinal symptoms were the most common adverse events, mostly mild to moderate and declining over time.
Development strategy
Under the development agreement signed in March 2025, United Bio-Technology conducted the Chinese phase 2 trial, while Novo Nordisk holds rights for global development outside China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.
Novo Nordisk has already initiated a global Phase 1b/2a trial of UBT251, with topline data expected in 2027. A phase 2 trial in people with type 2 diabetes is also planned to begin in the second half of 2026.
Positioning UBT251 in the obesity landscape
Triple agonist compounds — those that simultaneously stimulate GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide), and glucagon receptors — represent one of the most active frontiers in anti-obesity drug research. These multi-pathway agents are designed to harness broader hormonal regulation of metabolism and appetite than traditional monotherapy or dual agonists.
UBT251’s results compare with other next-generation candidates such as retatrutide and amycretin, which have shown strong weight loss signals in recent clinical studies, though direct comparisons across different trials are not yet definitive. Early indications are that UBT251 may provide competitive weight reduction with a favourable safety profile.
What’s Next
Novo Nordisk plans to present the detailed data from the Chinese phase 2 trial at upcoming medical congresses later this year. If the global trials confirm these findings, UBT251 could join a rapidly expanding class of high-efficacy metabolic therapies poised to reshape the obesity treatment landscape.