The United Laboratories and Novo Nordisk sign exclusive licensing deal for UBT251, a GLP-1/GIP/glucagon triple receptor agonist.
Monday, March 24, 2025
The United Laboratories International Holdings Limited (TUL) and Novo Nordisk have signed an exclusive licensing agreement for UBT251, a triple agonist targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors. This drug is in early-stage clinical development for obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other conditions.
Under the agreement, Novo Nordisk gains exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and market UBT251 worldwide, except in Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, where United Biotechnology retains the rights. United Biotechnology will receive an upfront payment of $200 million, with potential milestone payments of up to $1.8 billion, along with tiered royalties on net sales outside these regions.
A recent phase 1b clinical trial in China evaluated UBT251’s safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics in overweight or obese individuals. The study included 36 participants in three dose groups (1mg, 1mg/3mg, and 1mg/3mg/6mg), receiving weekly subcutaneous injections for 12 weeks. The safety profile was in line with incretin-based therapies, with common side effects being mild to moderate gastrointestinal issues. In the highest dose group, participants saw an average weight reduction of 15.1%, while the placebo group experienced a 1.5% weight increase.
The collaboration strengthens TUL’s global strategy and commitment to advancing treatment options for chronic diseases. TUL aims to drive scientific innovation, expand its global presence, and enhance manufacturing, research, and commercialisation efforts.
The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and other customary conditions.
UBT251 is a long-acting synthetic peptide classified as a Class 1 innovative drug in China. It has shown strong activity across its three target receptors in preclinical studies. It is being developed for type 2 diabetes, obesity, metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Clinical trials are ongoing in China and the United States. A phase 2 trial in overweight or obese individuals has recently started in China.
Source: novonordisk.com
