United Laboratories International Holdings Ltd (HKG: 3933) announced completion of a Phase II clinical trial for UBT251 Injection, its Category 1 innovative triple‑target agonist, in Chinese patients with overweight/obesity. The study demonstrated significant weight‑loss efficacy across all dose groups, with the maximum mean body weight reduction of -19.7% (-17.5 kg) at Week 24, positioning UBT251 as a potential competitor in the rapidly expanding metabolic disease market.
205 patients with obesity or overweight + ≥ 1 weight‑related comorbidity
Randomization
1:1:1:1 (UBT251 2 mg / 4 mg / 6 mg / placebo)
Administration
Subcutaneous injection, once weekly × 24 weeks
Primary Endpoint
Percentage change in body weight from baseline at Week 24
Efficacy Outcomes
Endpoint
UBT251 (All Doses)
Placebo
Treatment Effect
Max Mean Weight Change
-19.7% (-17.5 kg)
-2.0% (-1.6 kg)
-17.7% vs. placebo
Waist Circumference
Significant improvement
Minimal change
Superior reduction
Blood Glucose
Significant improvement
Minimal change
Metabolic benefit
Blood Pressure
Significant improvement
Minimal change
Cardiovascular benefit
Blood Lipids
Significant improvement
Minimal change
Lipid profile improvement
Safety Profile
Metric
Result
Safety/Tolerability
Good across all dose groups
Discontinuations Due to AEs
Zero patients
Drug Profile – UBT251
Feature
Detail
Class
Long‑acting triple‑target receptor agonist
Targets
GLP‑1 + GIP + GCG (glucagon)
Mechanism
Triple hormone pathway activation for weight loss, glycemic control, and metabolic improvement
Development Stage
Phase II completed (obesity); Phase III pending
Other Indications
Type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease (CKD), MASH – approved for clinical trials in China and/or US
Strategic Context – Novo Nordisk Partnership
Parameter
Detail
Deal Date
March 2025
Partner
Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE: NVO)
Deal Value
USD 2 billion
Licensed Territory
Global excluding Greater China (China mainland, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan)
Novo Nordisk Rights
Development, manufacturing, commercialization
United Labs Retained Rights
Greater China development and commercialization
Strategic Implications
Triple‑Target Differentiation: UBT251’s GLP‑1/GIP/GCG triple agonism offers potential superior efficacy vs. dual agonists (tirzepatide) and single‑target GLP‑1s (semaglutide), with glucagon component adding energy expenditure benefits.
Blockbuster Validation: The 19.7% weight reduction approaches surgical intervention levels and exceeds many approved/investigational pharmacotherapies, supporting USD 2B partnership valuation with Novo Nordisk.
Safety Advantage:Zero discontinuations due to adverse events differentiates UBT251 in a class where GI tolerability is a key commercial consideration.
Pipeline Breadth: Indications spanning obesity, T2D, CKD, and MASH position UBT251 as a multi‑indication metabolic platform with potential to address interconnected disease burden.
Market Impact
Factor
Impact
Global Obesity Market
Projected > $100 billion by 2030; triple‑target mechanisms represent next wave of innovation beyond GLP‑1/GIP dual agonists
Novo Nordisk Portfolio
UBT251 complements Wegovy/Ozempic and provides hedge against competitive threats from Eli Lilly and others
United Labs China Position
Retained Greater China rights enable independent commercialization in world’s second‑largest obesity market
CKD/MASH Expansion
Phase II success supports rapid advancement in high‑value adjacent indications with limited treatment options
Forward‑Looking Statements This brief contains forward‑looking statements regarding Phase III initiation, regulatory pathways, and commercial potential for UBT251. Actual results may differ due to risks including competitive pricing pressure, manufacturing scale‑up challenges, and long‑term safety monitoring requirements.-Fineline Info & Tech
By Fineline Cube