UBT251

updated

UBT251 is an unapproved long-acting triple agonist of the GLP-1, GIP and glucagon receptors from The United Laboratories, licensed to Novo Nordisk outside China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. One published 24-week phase 2 trial in 205 adults with overweight or obesity found body weight fell 13.6% to 19.7% with UBT251 against 2.0% with placebo, and no published result runs longer or covers type 2 diabetes. Nothing in the records reviewed shows it matches or beats retatrutide.

Long-acting GLP-1, GIP and glucagon receptor triple agonist

  • A joint release dated 24 March 2025 from The United Laboratories and Novo Nordisk describes UBT251 as a long-acting synthetic peptide triple agonist of the GLP-1, GIP and glucagon receptors, with Novo Nordisk holding rights outside mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.
  • In the published phase 2 trial (205 adults with overweight or obesity and no type 2 diabetes, 24 weeks), body weight changed by -19.7% to -13.6% with UBT251 against -2.0% with placebo.
  • The most frequent adverse events were mild-to-moderate gastrointestinal symptoms; the abstracts give no discontinuation or serious adverse event numbers.
  • Five phase 3 trials are registered, all sponsored by United Biotechnology, with no posted results.
  • openFDA and DailyMed searches on 10 October 2026 returned no approval record or label.
  • No sequence, structure, formula or CAS number is public, and PubChem has no record for the name.

What is UBT251, and is it approved?

UBT251 is a long-acting triple agonist of the GLP-1, GIP and glucagon receptors from The United Laboratories, licensed to Novo Nordisk outside China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. No marketing approval or US label turned up on 10 October 2026.

A joint release from The United Laboratories (TUL) and Novo Nordisk dated 24 March 2025 describes UBT251 as a long-acting synthetic peptide triple agonist of the GLP-1, GIP and glucagon receptors. It was developed by TUL's wholly owned subsidiary The United Bio-Technology (Hengqin) Co., Ltd. (United Biotechnology) and is a Class 1 innovative drug in China per the company. It is a TUL molecule, not an Eli Lilly one. These identity statements come from the companies.

Under the license, Novo Nordisk obtains worldwide rights excluding mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, which United Biotechnology keeps. The company announced eligibility for a US$200 million upfront payment and up to US$1.8 billion in milestones, plus tiered royalties. TUL later reported that United Biotechnology received US$180 million upfront on 20 June 2025, after Danish withholding tax, and a US$13.5 million milestone payment on 15 July 2026 for the global phase II trial in overweight or obesity.

No sequence, structure, formula, molecular weight or CAS number is public. PubChem name and substance queries on 10 October 2026 returned no record, so a vial sold as UBT251 cannot be matched to the studied molecule from public records.

openFDA Drugs@FDA searches on 10 October 2026 for UBT251 by brand name and by generic name each returned no matches, and a DailyMed search returned zero labels. The company says UBT251 is approved to enter clinical trials in China and the United States, which is trial clearance, not marketing approval. A Novo Nordisk registry record says UBT251 is not yet available for doctors to prescribe.

Joint company release, 24 March 2025: identity, license terms, phase 1b summary

Regulatory record

The United Laboratories International Holdings Limited (HKEX 3933) and Novo Nordisk A/S. Joint press release, 24 March 2025. Copy hosted on The United Laboratories investor relations site.

The companies describe UBT251 as a long-acting synthetic peptide triple agonist of the GLP-1, GIP and glucagon receptors, developed by The United Bio-Technology (Hengqin) Co., Ltd. and categorized as a Class 1 innovative drug in China, with potent activity at all three receptors in a preclinical setting. No preclinical data are given. Novo Nordisk obtains an exclusive license to worldwide rights excluding mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, which United Biotechnology keeps. United Biotechnology was eligible for a US$200 million upfront payment and up to US$1.8 billion in milestones, plus tiered royalties on net sales outside those four territories. The company reported a phase 1b trial in China in 36 patients in three dose groups with titration, once weekly for 12 weeks: in completers of the highest dose group average weight fell 15.1% from baseline against a 1.5% rise on placebo, and adverse events were mostly mild to moderate gastrointestinal events. No per-group sizes are given.

Participants / model
Adults with overweight or obesity in China (phase 1b, company summary)
Treatment
UBT251 by subcutaneous injection once weekly
Follow-up
12 weeks (phase 1b)
Study design
Company press release; the phase 1b figures are the company's own summary
Funding
Issued by the developer and its licensee; trial funding terms not stated in the source

Identity, license terms and the phase 1b summary come from the companies, not from an independent check.

Read the original source
Company announcements, 20 June 2025 and 16 July 2026: upfront and milestone payments

Regulatory record

The United Laboratories International Holdings Limited. Voluntary announcements to the Hong Kong exchange dated 20 June 2025 and 16 July 2026, with the 31 August 2026 interim press release. Copies hosted on The United Laboratories investor relations site.

The company reported that United Biotechnology received the US$180 million upfront payment on 20 June 2025 after deduction of Danish withholding tax, and repeated eligibility for up to US$1.8 billion in development and sales milestones plus tiered royalties. A second announcement dated 16 July 2026 reports a US$13.5 million milestone payment, after Danish withholding tax, received on 15 July 2026 for the global phase II trial of UBT251 in overweight or obesity. The 31 August 2026 interim press release gives the same milestone as RMB101.9 million.

Participants / model
Not a clinical population
Treatment
Licensing and payment record
Follow-up
June 2025 to August 2026
Study design
Company announcements to the Hong Kong exchange
Funding
Issued by the licensor

Both announcements carry the exchange's standard disclaimer that it takes no responsibility for their contents. They show licensing status and payments, not efficacy.

Read the original source
Searches, 10 October 2026: 7 PubMed records, 2 relevant, no PubChem record

PubMed search record

PubMed search run on 10 October 2026: UBT251 OR UBT-251 OR "UBT 251". 7 records returned. PubChem name and substance queries for UBT251 and UBT 251 run the same day.

The PubMed search returned 7 records. Two were relevant (the phase 1a/1b and phase 2 papers) and the other five matched fragments of the string and were unrelated. Searches for United Bio-Technology or United Laboratories with triple agonist GLP-1 GIP glucagon returned the same two papers. No receptor pharmacology paper, animal study or independent human report is indexed. PubChem name and substance queries for UBT251 returned no compound or substance record, and neither abstract nor company release gives a sequence or structure.

Participants / model
Records returned, not a population
Treatment
Not applicable
Follow-up
Searches run on 10 October 2026
Study design
Literature and chemical-record search
Funding
not stated in the source

A search result shows what the databases returned on that date. It is not proof that no unindexed study exists. Whether UBT in the name stands for United Bio-Technology is not stated in any source reviewed.

Read the original source
FDA record search, 10 October 2026: no matches, no label

Regulatory record

U.S. Food and Drug Administration, openFDA Drugs@FDA API queries run on 10 October 2026 for UBT251 by brand name and by generic name, and a DailyMed label search for UBT251.

The openFDA queries on brand name and on generic name UBT251 each returned no matches, and a DailyMed label search returned zero labels. The company says UBT251 is approved to enter clinical trials in China and the United States (type 2 diabetes, overweight or obesity, chronic kidney disease, MASH, and obstructive sleep apnea with obesity), which is trial clearance, not marketing approval. A Novo Nordisk registry record states that UBT251 is the treatment being tested and not yet available for doctors to prescribe.

Participants / model
FDA application and label databases, not a clinical population
Treatment
Name searches
Follow-up
Queries run on 10 October 2026
Study design
Dated US approval-record search
Funding
not stated in the source

A search result shows what the databases returned on that date. Trial clearance is not marketing approval.

Read the original source

What did the phase 1 and phase 2 studies find?

In one published 24-week phase 2 trial in 205 adults with overweight or obesity and no type 2 diabetes, body weight fell 13.6% to 19.7% with UBT251 against 2.0% with placebo. The phase 1a/1b paper reported weight loss at 12 weeks and mostly gastrointestinal adverse effects.

The phase 2 trial randomized 205 adults with overweight or obesity and no type 2 diabetes (59.0% women, aged 18 to 61) at Chinese centers, double-blind, to once-weekly UBT251 at 2 mg, 4 mg (two starting doses) or 6 mg, or to placebo, for 24 weeks. Least-squares mean body weight change at week 24 was -19.7% to -13.6% with UBT251 against -2.0% with placebo. Placebo-adjusted differences were -17.7% (95% CI -20.8 to -14.6) to -11.5% (95% CI -14.1 to -9.0), all p < 0.001. Waist circumference, BMI, blood pressure, lipids and glycemic measures also improved, and the most frequent adverse events were mild-to-moderate gastrointestinal symptoms.

The sponsor was United Biotechnology, and the authors include employees of TUL and Novo Nordisk. The abstract gives no numbers for discontinuations, serious adverse events or heart rate, and the trial ran 24 weeks only.

The phase 1a/1b paper reports two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials: a single-ascending-dose trial of one subcutaneous injection from 0.1 to 4.5 mg, and a 12-week multiple-ascending-dose trial in adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes. At 1, 3 and 6 mg weekly, mean body weight reduction was 8.96 to 13.48 kg against a 1.57 kg increase on placebo. Pharmacokinetics were approximately linear across 1.0 to 6.0 mg, and fasting glucose, HbA1c and lipids fell. The abstract gives no participant numbers.

Phase 2: 205 adults, 24 weeks, weight down 13.6% to 19.7% versus 2.0% on placebo

Randomized controlled trial

Zhou Z et al. Cell Metab. 2026. PMID 42843337.

In 205 adults with overweight or obesity and no type 2 diabetes (59.0% women, aged 18 to 61), once-weekly UBT251 for 24 weeks changed least-squares mean body weight by -19.7% to -13.6%, against -2.0% on placebo. Placebo-adjusted differences ranged from -17.7% (95% CI -20.8 to -14.6) to -11.5% (95% CI -14.1 to -9.0), all p < 0.001. Waist circumference, BMI, blood pressure, lipids and glycemic measures also improved. The most frequent adverse events were mild-to-moderate gastrointestinal symptoms.

Participants / model
205 adults with overweight or obesity and no type 2 diabetes, at Chinese centers
Treatment
UBT251 by subcutaneous injection once weekly at 2 mg, 4 mg (two starting doses), 6 mg, or placebo
Follow-up
24 weeks
Study design
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial
Funding
Sponsor: United Biotechnology; authors include employees of The United Laboratories and Novo Nordisk, and the other authors received research funds from United Biotechnology

The abstract gives no numbers for discontinuations, serious adverse events or heart rate. The trial ran 24 weeks only.

Read the original source
Phase 1a/1b paper: well tolerated, weight down 8.96 to 13.48 kg at 12 weeks

Randomized controlled trial

Yang GP et al. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2026. PMID 42712041.

Phase 1a was a single-ascending-dose trial of one subcutaneous injection from 0.1 to 4.5 mg. Phase 1b was a multiple-ascending-dose trial in people with overweight or obesity without diabetes, once weekly for 12 weeks. UBT251 was generally well tolerated, with laboratory investigations, decreased appetite and gastrointestinal events the most common adverse effects. At 1, 3 and 6 mg weekly for 12 weeks the mean body weight reduction was 8.96 to 13.48 kg, against a 1.57 kg increase on placebo. Pharmacokinetics were approximately linear across 1.0 to 6.0 mg, and fasting glucose, HbA1c and lipids fell.

Participants / model
Phase 1a participants (not described in the abstract); phase 1b adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes
Treatment
UBT251 by subcutaneous injection: one dose in phase 1a, then once weekly in phase 1b, versus placebo
Follow-up
Single dose (phase 1a); 12 weeks (phase 1b)
Study design
First-in-human randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (phase 1a and phase 1b)
Funding
not stated in the abstract; authors include staff of The United Laboratories and Novo Nordisk

The abstract gives no participant numbers, so it cannot be matched to the 36-patient company summary.

Read the original source

What has the company reported beyond the papers?

The company reported a phase 1b summary in 36 patients (weight down 15.1% in completers of the highest dose group versus up 1.5% on placebo) and phase 2 responder rates. None of these figures are in the published abstracts, and they come only from the company.

A 24 March 2025 release summarizes a phase 1b trial in China in 36 patients in three dose groups with titration, once weekly for 12 weeks. In completers of the highest dose group, the company reported average weight fell 15.1% from baseline against a 1.5% rise on placebo, with adverse events mostly mild to moderate gastrointestinal events. No per-group sizes are given, and the peer-reviewed phase 1a/1b abstract gives no participant numbers, so the two cannot be matched.

A release dated 8 June 2026 on conference results at the 2026 American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions adds detail on the phase 2 trial. The company reported baseline mean weight 92.2 kg and mean BMI 33.1 kg/m2, randomization 2:1:1:2:2 across the four UBT251 regimens and placebo, and that participants had not yet reached a body weight plateau by week 24. It also reported that up to 98.1% of participants in the UBT251 groups reached the 5% weight-loss threshold, up to 89.8% the 10% threshold and up to 48.4% the 20% threshold, with no per-group values.

The company described safety and tolerability as generally consistent with other GLP-1 receptor agonists and reported no apparent dose-dependent trend in treatment-emergent adverse event incidence. The supporting numbers are not in the published abstract.

Joint company release, 24 March 2025: identity, license terms, phase 1b summary

Regulatory record

The United Laboratories International Holdings Limited (HKEX 3933) and Novo Nordisk A/S. Joint press release, 24 March 2025. Copy hosted on The United Laboratories investor relations site.

The companies describe UBT251 as a long-acting synthetic peptide triple agonist of the GLP-1, GIP and glucagon receptors, developed by The United Bio-Technology (Hengqin) Co., Ltd. and categorized as a Class 1 innovative drug in China, with potent activity at all three receptors in a preclinical setting. No preclinical data are given. Novo Nordisk obtains an exclusive license to worldwide rights excluding mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, which United Biotechnology keeps. United Biotechnology was eligible for a US$200 million upfront payment and up to US$1.8 billion in milestones, plus tiered royalties on net sales outside those four territories. The company reported a phase 1b trial in China in 36 patients in three dose groups with titration, once weekly for 12 weeks: in completers of the highest dose group average weight fell 15.1% from baseline against a 1.5% rise on placebo, and adverse events were mostly mild to moderate gastrointestinal events. No per-group sizes are given.

Participants / model
Adults with overweight or obesity in China (phase 1b, company summary)
Treatment
UBT251 by subcutaneous injection once weekly
Follow-up
12 weeks (phase 1b)
Study design
Company press release; the phase 1b figures are the company's own summary
Funding
Issued by the developer and its licensee; trial funding terms not stated in the source

Identity, license terms and the phase 1b summary come from the companies, not from an independent check.

Read the original source
Company release, 8 June 2026: phase 2 baseline, responder rates, safety summary

Regulatory record

The United Laboratories International Holdings Limited. Press release on UBT251 phase 2 results at the American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions, 8 June 2026. Copy hosted on The United Laboratories investor relations site.

The company reported more detail on the phase 2 trial than the abstract: baseline mean weight 92.2 kg and mean BMI 33.1 kg/m2, randomization 2:1:1:2:2 across the four UBT251 regimens and placebo, and that participants had not yet reached a body weight plateau by week 24. The company reported that up to 98.1% of participants in the UBT251 groups reached the 5% weight-loss threshold, up to 89.8% the 10% threshold and up to 48.4% the 20% threshold, with no per-group values. It described safety and tolerability as generally consistent with other GLP-1 receptor agonists and reported no apparent dose-dependent trend in treatment-emergent adverse event incidence.

Participants / model
205 Chinese adults with obesity or overweight (company description)
Treatment
UBT251 by subcutaneous injection once weekly versus placebo
Follow-up
24 weeks
Study design
Company press release on conference results; the percentages are not in the published abstract
Funding
Issued by the developer

These percentages come only from the company and are not in the published abstract.

Read the original source

Which other UBT251 studies are registered?

ClinicalTrials.gov lists a second China phase 2 trial in type 2 diabetes (211 enrolled), further phase 2 and drug interaction studies, and five phase 3 trials, none with posted results.

Two China phase 2 trials are completed: NCT07177469 in overweight or obesity (205 enrolled), which is the published trial, and NCT07163624 in type 2 diabetes (211 enrolled, placebo-controlled and semaglutide-controlled, primary outcome HbA1c at week 24). Neither has posted results, and no peer-reviewed or registry-posted efficacy numbers for the type 2 diabetes trial were found. Both records were first posted about six months after the trials started, and the phase 2 paper also cites CTR20250288 in the China Drug Trials Registry, whose registration date is not known here.

Other registered studies include phase 2 trials in overweight or obesity (Novo Nordisk, 333 planned), type 2 diabetes against semaglutide (Novo Nordisk, 300 planned), obesity with chronic kidney disease (United Biotechnology, 180 planned) and MASH (United Biotechnology, 156 planned), plus three phase 1 drug interaction and pharmacokinetic studies. None has posted results.

Five phase 3 trials are registered, all sponsored by United Biotechnology: overweight or obesity (600 planned, body weight at week 52), two in type 2 diabetes (UNIGUIDE-1, 360 planned; UNIGUIDE-2, 956 planned, open-label against semaglutide 1 mg) and two in obesity with obstructive sleep apnea (UNISHAPE-OSA-1 and UNISHAPE-OSA-2, 150 planned each). A company announcement dated 4 September 2026 says the first participant was dosed in the China phase III for overweight or obesity, while the registry still read not yet recruiting at its 15 June 2026 update.

A registered study without posted results shows that a study was registered, not that UBT251 works or is safe in that population.

Registry: two completed China phase 2 trials, no posted results

Trial registry record

ClinicalTrials.gov records NCT07163624 (type 2 diabetes) and NCT07177469 (overweight or obesity), sponsor The United Bio-Technology (Hengqin) Co., Ltd.

ClinicalTrials.gov lists two completed China phase 2 trials sponsored by The United Bio-Technology (Hengqin) Co., Ltd., with no posted results on either. NCT07177469 (overweight or obesity, 205 enrolled, double-blind, primary outcome body weight at week 24) started 14 March 2025, reached primary completion on 22 October 2025 and was first posted on 17 September 2025, about six months after it started. It is the trial reported in the phase 2 paper. NCT07163624 (type 2 diabetes, 211 enrolled, double-blind, placebo-controlled and semaglutide-controlled, with Ozempic 1.0 mg as the active comparator, primary outcome HbA1c change at week 24) started 22 March 2025, reached primary completion on 21 November 2025 and was first posted on 9 September 2025. No peer-reviewed or registry-posted efficacy numbers for the type 2 diabetes trial were found.

Participants / model
Adults with overweight or obesity (NCT07177469); adults with type 2 diabetes (NCT07163624)
Treatment
UBT251 at 2.0, 4.0 (two starting doses) and 6.0 mg weekly; semaglutide 1.0 mg comparator in the diabetes trial
Follow-up
24 weeks
Study design
Trial registry records, no posted results
Funding
not stated in the source

A registry record without posted results shows that a trial was registered, not that UBT251 works or is safe in that population. The phase 2 paper also cites CTR20250288 in the China Drug Trials Registry, and its registration date is not known here, so prospective registration cannot be confirmed.

Read the original source
Registry: further phase 2 and drug-interaction studies, no posted results

Trial registry record

ClinicalTrials.gov records NCT07395687, NCT07668388, NCT07134335, NCT07145151, NCT07710768, NCT07785934 and NCT07710729.

ClinicalTrials.gov lists further UBT251 studies that are recruiting or running, with no posted results on any. Phase 2: NCT07395687 (Novo Nordisk, overweight or obesity, global, 333 planned across Parts A, B and C, started 2 February 2026, primary completion 14 January 2027, sites in the United States and Canada); NCT07668388 (Novo Nordisk, type 2 diabetes dose-finding against semaglutide, 300 planned, started 22 June 2026, sites in nine countries, primary outcome HbA1c, with registry text saying UBT251 is not yet available for doctors to prescribe); NCT07134335 (United Biotechnology, obesity with chronic kidney disease, 180 planned, started 1 September 2025, primary outcome urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio at 24 weeks); NCT07145151 (United Biotechnology, MASH, 156 planned, started 30 September 2025, primary outcome MASH resolution without fibrosis worsening on histology at week 48). Phase 1 drug interaction and pharmacokinetic studies: NCT07710768 (Novo Nordisk, midazolam, caffeine and warfarin, 44 planned), NCT07785934 (United Biotechnology, metformin, warfarin, atorvastatin and digoxin, 48 planned) and NCT07710729 (Novo Nordisk, the oral contraceptive ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel plus gastric emptying with acetaminophen, in women of non-childbearing potential, 40 planned).

Participants / model
Adults with overweight, obesity, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease with obesity, or MASH; participants with excess body weight in the interaction studies
Treatment
UBT251 by subcutaneous injection (weekly in the efficacy trials)
Follow-up
Planned durations vary by trial
Study design
Trial registry records, no posted results
Funding
not stated in the source

A registered study without posted results shows that a study was registered, not that UBT251 works or is safe in that population.

Read the original source
Registry: five phase 3 trials, no posted results

Trial registry record

ClinicalTrials.gov records NCT07648225, NCT07659574 (UNIGUIDE-1), NCT07653477 (UNIGUIDE-2), NCT07767942 (UNISHAPE-OSA-1) and NCT07806851 (UNISHAPE-OSA-2); sponsor United Biotechnology.

Five phase 3 trials are registered, all sponsored by United Biotechnology, with no posted results. NCT07648225 (overweight or obesity, 600 planned, triple-masked, primary outcome body weight at week 52; the registry still showed not yet recruiting at its 15 June 2026 update). NCT07659574 (UNIGUIDE-1, type 2 diabetes on diet and exercise, 360 planned, placebo-controlled, HbA1c at week 40, recruiting, started 7 September 2026). NCT07653477 (UNIGUIDE-2, type 2 diabetes on metformin with or without a sulfonylurea or SGLT2 inhibitor, 956 planned, open-label against semaglutide 1 mg, HbA1c at week 40, recruiting). NCT07767942 (UNISHAPE-OSA-1, obesity with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea not on PAP, 150 planned, change in apnea-hypopnea index at week 52, not yet recruiting). NCT07806851 (UNISHAPE-OSA-2, the same condition on PAP therapy, 150 planned, not yet recruiting). A company announcement dated 4 September 2026 says the first participant was dosed in the China phase III for overweight or obesity, 600 planned, with percent weight change and the proportion reaching 5% weight loss at 52 weeks as primary endpoints.

Participants / model
Adults with overweight or obesity, type 2 diabetes, or obesity with obstructive sleep apnea
Treatment
UBT251 by subcutaneous injection versus placebo or semaglutide
Follow-up
40 to 52 weeks planned
Study design
Trial registry records, no posted results, plus a company announcement
Funding
not stated in the source

The registry still read not yet recruiting for NCT07648225 although the company says dosing began on 4 September 2026. Registered trials without results show a development plan, not an outcome.

Read the original source

Is UBT251 a non-Lilly triple agonist, and how does it compare with retatrutide?

The identity part holds: UBT251 belongs to The United Laboratories and is licensed to Novo Nordisk, not Eli Lilly. Nothing in the records shows it matches or beats retatrutide, which has far more published efficacy data.

Sellers describe UBT251 as a non-Eli Lilly triple GLP-1 agonist. The company statements and filings confirm the identity: a TUL molecule licensed to Novo Nordisk, described by the companies as a GLP-1, GIP and glucagon triple agonist. That is a company statement, not an independent check.

Retatrutide, which the site grades S, has much more published evidence. TRIUMPH-1 (Eli Lilly funded) randomized 2339 adults with obesity and no diabetes to retatrutide 4, 9 or 12 mg weekly or placebo for 80 weeks, with mean body weight change of -17.6%, -23.7% and -25.0% versus -3.9% on placebo. The earlier phase 2 trial in 338 adults gave 24-week changes of -7.2% (1 mg), -12.9% (4 mg, combined), -17.3% (8 mg) and -17.5% (12 mg) against -1.6% on placebo, and -24.2% at 48 weeks on 12 mg.

UBT251's 24-week range (-13.6% to -19.7%, placebo -2.0%) sits in the same band as the retatrutide 24-week phase 2 numbers. The trials differ in population (205 adults at Chinese centers versus adults in Eli Lilly trials), dose ladders and sponsor, and nothing compares them head to head. UBT251 has one published 24-week randomized trial, no published phase 3 result, no published result beyond 24 weeks and no published type 2 diabetes efficacy data. A statement that UBT251 matches or beats retatrutide has no support in the records reviewed.

A vendor vial sold as UBT251 cannot be matched to the studied molecule, because no sequence or structure is public.

Joint company release, 24 March 2025: identity, license terms, phase 1b summary

Regulatory record

The United Laboratories International Holdings Limited (HKEX 3933) and Novo Nordisk A/S. Joint press release, 24 March 2025. Copy hosted on The United Laboratories investor relations site.

The companies describe UBT251 as a long-acting synthetic peptide triple agonist of the GLP-1, GIP and glucagon receptors, developed by The United Bio-Technology (Hengqin) Co., Ltd. and categorized as a Class 1 innovative drug in China, with potent activity at all three receptors in a preclinical setting. No preclinical data are given. Novo Nordisk obtains an exclusive license to worldwide rights excluding mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, which United Biotechnology keeps. United Biotechnology was eligible for a US$200 million upfront payment and up to US$1.8 billion in milestones, plus tiered royalties on net sales outside those four territories. The company reported a phase 1b trial in China in 36 patients in three dose groups with titration, once weekly for 12 weeks: in completers of the highest dose group average weight fell 15.1% from baseline against a 1.5% rise on placebo, and adverse events were mostly mild to moderate gastrointestinal events. No per-group sizes are given.

Participants / model
Adults with overweight or obesity in China (phase 1b, company summary)
Treatment
UBT251 by subcutaneous injection once weekly
Follow-up
12 weeks (phase 1b)
Study design
Company press release; the phase 1b figures are the company's own summary
Funding
Issued by the developer and its licensee; trial funding terms not stated in the source

Identity, license terms and the phase 1b summary come from the companies, not from an independent check.

Read the original source
TRIUMPH-1 (retatrutide): 2339 adults, 80 weeks, weight down 17.6% to 25.0%

Randomized controlled trial

Jastreboff AM et al. N Engl J Med. 2026. PMID 42814954.

TRIUMPH-1 (Eli Lilly funded, NCT05929066) randomized 2339 adults with obesity and no diabetes to retatrutide 4, 9 or 12 mg weekly or placebo for 80 weeks. Mean body weight change was -17.6%, -23.7% and -25.0% versus -3.9% on placebo, and gastrointestinal events were the most common adverse events.

Participants / model
2339 adults with obesity and no diabetes
Treatment
Retatrutide 4, 9 or 12 mg weekly, or placebo
Follow-up
80 weeks
Study design
Randomized placebo-controlled trial of a different compound, used here as a comparison
Funding
Eli Lilly

This is a retatrutide trial, not a UBT251 trial. The two are not compared head to head.

Read the original source
Retatrutide phase 2: 338 adults, weight down 7.2% to 17.5% at 24 weeks

Randomized controlled trial

Jastreboff AM et al. N Engl J Med. 2023;389(6):514-526. PMID 37366315.

In 338 adults (NCT04881760), 24-week least-squares mean body weight changes were -7.2% (1 mg), -12.9% (4 mg, combined), -17.3% (8 mg) and -17.5% (12 mg) against -1.6% on placebo, and -24.2% at 48 weeks on 12 mg, with dose-dependent heart rate increases that peaked at 24 weeks.

Participants / model
338 adults with obesity without diabetes (per the comparison record)
Treatment
Retatrutide 1, 4, 8 or 12 mg, or placebo
Follow-up
24 and 48 weeks
Study design
Randomized placebo-controlled phase 2 trial of a different compound, used here as a comparison
Funding
not stated in the source

This is a retatrutide trial, not a UBT251 trial.

Read the original source
Phase 2: 205 adults, 24 weeks, weight down 13.6% to 19.7% versus 2.0% on placebo

Randomized controlled trial

Zhou Z et al. Cell Metab. 2026. PMID 42843337.

In 205 adults with overweight or obesity and no type 2 diabetes (59.0% women, aged 18 to 61), once-weekly UBT251 for 24 weeks changed least-squares mean body weight by -19.7% to -13.6%, against -2.0% on placebo. Placebo-adjusted differences ranged from -17.7% (95% CI -20.8 to -14.6) to -11.5% (95% CI -14.1 to -9.0), all p < 0.001. Waist circumference, BMI, blood pressure, lipids and glycemic measures also improved. The most frequent adverse events were mild-to-moderate gastrointestinal symptoms.

Participants / model
205 adults with overweight or obesity and no type 2 diabetes, at Chinese centers
Treatment
UBT251 by subcutaneous injection once weekly at 2 mg, 4 mg (two starting doses), 6 mg, or placebo
Follow-up
24 weeks
Study design
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial
Funding
Sponsor: United Biotechnology; authors include employees of The United Laboratories and Novo Nordisk, and the other authors received research funds from United Biotechnology

The abstract gives no numbers for discontinuations, serious adverse events or heart rate. The trial ran 24 weeks only.

Read the original source
Searches, 10 October 2026: 7 PubMed records, 2 relevant, no PubChem record

PubMed search record

PubMed search run on 10 October 2026: UBT251 OR UBT-251 OR "UBT 251". 7 records returned. PubChem name and substance queries for UBT251 and UBT 251 run the same day.

The PubMed search returned 7 records. Two were relevant (the phase 1a/1b and phase 2 papers) and the other five matched fragments of the string and were unrelated. Searches for United Bio-Technology or United Laboratories with triple agonist GLP-1 GIP glucagon returned the same two papers. No receptor pharmacology paper, animal study or independent human report is indexed. PubChem name and substance queries for UBT251 returned no compound or substance record, and neither abstract nor company release gives a sequence or structure.

Participants / model
Records returned, not a population
Treatment
Not applicable
Follow-up
Searches run on 10 October 2026
Study design
Literature and chemical-record search
Funding
not stated in the source

A search result shows what the databases returned on that date. It is not proof that no unindexed study exists. Whether UBT in the name stands for United Bio-Technology is not stated in any source reviewed.

Read the original source

How does UBT251 work?

The companies describe it as a long-acting triple agonist of the GLP-1, GIP and glucagon receptors. No receptor pharmacology paper, animal study or half-life is published, so the mechanism rests on the developer's description.

The joint release calls UBT251 a long-acting synthetic peptide with potent activity at all three receptors in a preclinical setting, and gives no preclinical data. PubMed and PubChem searches on 10 October 2026 found no receptor pharmacology paper, animal study or independent report.

In the phase 1a/1b paper, pharmacokinetics were approximately linear across 1.0 to 6.0 mg. The abstract gives no half-life or Tmax, so duration of action is not established here.

Joint company release, 24 March 2025: identity, license terms, phase 1b summary

Regulatory record

The United Laboratories International Holdings Limited (HKEX 3933) and Novo Nordisk A/S. Joint press release, 24 March 2025. Copy hosted on The United Laboratories investor relations site.

The companies describe UBT251 as a long-acting synthetic peptide triple agonist of the GLP-1, GIP and glucagon receptors, developed by The United Bio-Technology (Hengqin) Co., Ltd. and categorized as a Class 1 innovative drug in China, with potent activity at all three receptors in a preclinical setting. No preclinical data are given. Novo Nordisk obtains an exclusive license to worldwide rights excluding mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, which United Biotechnology keeps. United Biotechnology was eligible for a US$200 million upfront payment and up to US$1.8 billion in milestones, plus tiered royalties on net sales outside those four territories. The company reported a phase 1b trial in China in 36 patients in three dose groups with titration, once weekly for 12 weeks: in completers of the highest dose group average weight fell 15.1% from baseline against a 1.5% rise on placebo, and adverse events were mostly mild to moderate gastrointestinal events. No per-group sizes are given.

Participants / model
Adults with overweight or obesity in China (phase 1b, company summary)
Treatment
UBT251 by subcutaneous injection once weekly
Follow-up
12 weeks (phase 1b)
Study design
Company press release; the phase 1b figures are the company's own summary
Funding
Issued by the developer and its licensee; trial funding terms not stated in the source

Identity, license terms and the phase 1b summary come from the companies, not from an independent check.

Read the original source
Searches, 10 October 2026: 7 PubMed records, 2 relevant, no PubChem record

PubMed search record

PubMed search run on 10 October 2026: UBT251 OR UBT-251 OR "UBT 251". 7 records returned. PubChem name and substance queries for UBT251 and UBT 251 run the same day.

The PubMed search returned 7 records. Two were relevant (the phase 1a/1b and phase 2 papers) and the other five matched fragments of the string and were unrelated. Searches for United Bio-Technology or United Laboratories with triple agonist GLP-1 GIP glucagon returned the same two papers. No receptor pharmacology paper, animal study or independent human report is indexed. PubChem name and substance queries for UBT251 returned no compound or substance record, and neither abstract nor company release gives a sequence or structure.

Participants / model
Records returned, not a population
Treatment
Not applicable
Follow-up
Searches run on 10 October 2026
Study design
Literature and chemical-record search
Funding
not stated in the source

A search result shows what the databases returned on that date. It is not proof that no unindexed study exists. Whether UBT in the name stands for United Bio-Technology is not stated in any source reviewed.

Read the original source
Phase 1a/1b paper: well tolerated, weight down 8.96 to 13.48 kg at 12 weeks

Randomized controlled trial

Yang GP et al. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2026. PMID 42712041.

Phase 1a was a single-ascending-dose trial of one subcutaneous injection from 0.1 to 4.5 mg. Phase 1b was a multiple-ascending-dose trial in people with overweight or obesity without diabetes, once weekly for 12 weeks. UBT251 was generally well tolerated, with laboratory investigations, decreased appetite and gastrointestinal events the most common adverse effects. At 1, 3 and 6 mg weekly for 12 weeks the mean body weight reduction was 8.96 to 13.48 kg, against a 1.57 kg increase on placebo. Pharmacokinetics were approximately linear across 1.0 to 6.0 mg, and fasting glucose, HbA1c and lipids fell.

Participants / model
Phase 1a participants (not described in the abstract); phase 1b adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes
Treatment
UBT251 by subcutaneous injection: one dose in phase 1a, then once weekly in phase 1b, versus placebo
Follow-up
Single dose (phase 1a); 12 weeks (phase 1b)
Study design
First-in-human randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (phase 1a and phase 1b)
Funding
not stated in the abstract; authors include staff of The United Laboratories and Novo Nordisk

The abstract gives no participant numbers, so it cannot be matched to the 36-patient company summary.

Read the original source

What adverse effects have been reported?

Published and company reports describe mostly mild-to-moderate gastrointestinal adverse events. Discontinuations, serious adverse events, heart rate, pancreatitis and gallbladder events are not in the abstracts, so the safety picture is incomplete.

In the phase 1a/1b paper UBT251 was generally well tolerated, and laboratory investigations, decreased appetite and gastrointestinal events were the most common adverse effects. In the phase 2 trial the most frequent adverse events were mild-to-moderate gastrointestinal symptoms. The company reported that safety and tolerability were generally consistent with other GLP-1 receptor agonists and that no apparent dose-dependent trend was seen in treatment-emergent adverse event incidence.

This page relies on the published abstracts for safety. They give no discontinuation rates, serious adverse events, heart rate, pancreatitis or gallbladder events. No safety data beyond 24 weeks and none in type 2 diabetes are published.

The registered drug interaction studies (midazolam, caffeine, warfarin, metformin, atorvastatin, digoxin and an oral contraceptive) have no posted results, so interactions are not described. Because no sequence or structure is public, a vial sold as UBT251 also carries an unknown identity risk.

Phase 1a/1b paper: well tolerated, weight down 8.96 to 13.48 kg at 12 weeks

Randomized controlled trial

Yang GP et al. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2026. PMID 42712041.

Phase 1a was a single-ascending-dose trial of one subcutaneous injection from 0.1 to 4.5 mg. Phase 1b was a multiple-ascending-dose trial in people with overweight or obesity without diabetes, once weekly for 12 weeks. UBT251 was generally well tolerated, with laboratory investigations, decreased appetite and gastrointestinal events the most common adverse effects. At 1, 3 and 6 mg weekly for 12 weeks the mean body weight reduction was 8.96 to 13.48 kg, against a 1.57 kg increase on placebo. Pharmacokinetics were approximately linear across 1.0 to 6.0 mg, and fasting glucose, HbA1c and lipids fell.

Participants / model
Phase 1a participants (not described in the abstract); phase 1b adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes
Treatment
UBT251 by subcutaneous injection: one dose in phase 1a, then once weekly in phase 1b, versus placebo
Follow-up
Single dose (phase 1a); 12 weeks (phase 1b)
Study design
First-in-human randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (phase 1a and phase 1b)
Funding
not stated in the abstract; authors include staff of The United Laboratories and Novo Nordisk

The abstract gives no participant numbers, so it cannot be matched to the 36-patient company summary.

Read the original source
Phase 2: 205 adults, 24 weeks, weight down 13.6% to 19.7% versus 2.0% on placebo

Randomized controlled trial

Zhou Z et al. Cell Metab. 2026. PMID 42843337.

In 205 adults with overweight or obesity and no type 2 diabetes (59.0% women, aged 18 to 61), once-weekly UBT251 for 24 weeks changed least-squares mean body weight by -19.7% to -13.6%, against -2.0% on placebo. Placebo-adjusted differences ranged from -17.7% (95% CI -20.8 to -14.6) to -11.5% (95% CI -14.1 to -9.0), all p < 0.001. Waist circumference, BMI, blood pressure, lipids and glycemic measures also improved. The most frequent adverse events were mild-to-moderate gastrointestinal symptoms.

Participants / model
205 adults with overweight or obesity and no type 2 diabetes, at Chinese centers
Treatment
UBT251 by subcutaneous injection once weekly at 2 mg, 4 mg (two starting doses), 6 mg, or placebo
Follow-up
24 weeks
Study design
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial
Funding
Sponsor: United Biotechnology; authors include employees of The United Laboratories and Novo Nordisk, and the other authors received research funds from United Biotechnology

The abstract gives no numbers for discontinuations, serious adverse events or heart rate. The trial ran 24 weeks only.

Read the original source
Joint company release, 24 March 2025: identity, license terms, phase 1b summary

Regulatory record

The United Laboratories International Holdings Limited (HKEX 3933) and Novo Nordisk A/S. Joint press release, 24 March 2025. Copy hosted on The United Laboratories investor relations site.

The companies describe UBT251 as a long-acting synthetic peptide triple agonist of the GLP-1, GIP and glucagon receptors, developed by The United Bio-Technology (Hengqin) Co., Ltd. and categorized as a Class 1 innovative drug in China, with potent activity at all three receptors in a preclinical setting. No preclinical data are given. Novo Nordisk obtains an exclusive license to worldwide rights excluding mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, which United Biotechnology keeps. United Biotechnology was eligible for a US$200 million upfront payment and up to US$1.8 billion in milestones, plus tiered royalties on net sales outside those four territories. The company reported a phase 1b trial in China in 36 patients in three dose groups with titration, once weekly for 12 weeks: in completers of the highest dose group average weight fell 15.1% from baseline against a 1.5% rise on placebo, and adverse events were mostly mild to moderate gastrointestinal events. No per-group sizes are given.

Participants / model
Adults with overweight or obesity in China (phase 1b, company summary)
Treatment
UBT251 by subcutaneous injection once weekly
Follow-up
12 weeks (phase 1b)
Study design
Company press release; the phase 1b figures are the company's own summary
Funding
Issued by the developer and its licensee; trial funding terms not stated in the source

Identity, license terms and the phase 1b summary come from the companies, not from an independent check.

Read the original source
Company release, 8 June 2026: phase 2 baseline, responder rates, safety summary

Regulatory record

The United Laboratories International Holdings Limited. Press release on UBT251 phase 2 results at the American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions, 8 June 2026. Copy hosted on The United Laboratories investor relations site.

The company reported more detail on the phase 2 trial than the abstract: baseline mean weight 92.2 kg and mean BMI 33.1 kg/m2, randomization 2:1:1:2:2 across the four UBT251 regimens and placebo, and that participants had not yet reached a body weight plateau by week 24. The company reported that up to 98.1% of participants in the UBT251 groups reached the 5% weight-loss threshold, up to 89.8% the 10% threshold and up to 48.4% the 20% threshold, with no per-group values. It described safety and tolerability as generally consistent with other GLP-1 receptor agonists and reported no apparent dose-dependent trend in treatment-emergent adverse event incidence.

Participants / model
205 Chinese adults with obesity or overweight (company description)
Treatment
UBT251 by subcutaneous injection once weekly versus placebo
Follow-up
24 weeks
Study design
Company press release on conference results; the percentages are not in the published abstract
Funding
Issued by the developer

These percentages come only from the company and are not in the published abstract.

Read the original source
Registry: further phase 2 and drug-interaction studies, no posted results

Trial registry record

ClinicalTrials.gov records NCT07395687, NCT07668388, NCT07134335, NCT07145151, NCT07710768, NCT07785934 and NCT07710729.

ClinicalTrials.gov lists further UBT251 studies that are recruiting or running, with no posted results on any. Phase 2: NCT07395687 (Novo Nordisk, overweight or obesity, global, 333 planned across Parts A, B and C, started 2 February 2026, primary completion 14 January 2027, sites in the United States and Canada); NCT07668388 (Novo Nordisk, type 2 diabetes dose-finding against semaglutide, 300 planned, started 22 June 2026, sites in nine countries, primary outcome HbA1c, with registry text saying UBT251 is not yet available for doctors to prescribe); NCT07134335 (United Biotechnology, obesity with chronic kidney disease, 180 planned, started 1 September 2025, primary outcome urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio at 24 weeks); NCT07145151 (United Biotechnology, MASH, 156 planned, started 30 September 2025, primary outcome MASH resolution without fibrosis worsening on histology at week 48). Phase 1 drug interaction and pharmacokinetic studies: NCT07710768 (Novo Nordisk, midazolam, caffeine and warfarin, 44 planned), NCT07785934 (United Biotechnology, metformin, warfarin, atorvastatin and digoxin, 48 planned) and NCT07710729 (Novo Nordisk, the oral contraceptive ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel plus gastric emptying with acetaminophen, in women of non-childbearing potential, 40 planned).

Participants / model
Adults with overweight, obesity, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease with obesity, or MASH; participants with excess body weight in the interaction studies
Treatment
UBT251 by subcutaneous injection (weekly in the efficacy trials)
Follow-up
Planned durations vary by trial
Study design
Trial registry records, no posted results
Funding
not stated in the source

A registered study without posted results shows that a study was registered, not that UBT251 works or is safe in that population.

Read the original source
Searches, 10 October 2026: 7 PubMed records, 2 relevant, no PubChem record

PubMed search record

PubMed search run on 10 October 2026: UBT251 OR UBT-251 OR "UBT 251". 7 records returned. PubChem name and substance queries for UBT251 and UBT 251 run the same day.

The PubMed search returned 7 records. Two were relevant (the phase 1a/1b and phase 2 papers) and the other five matched fragments of the string and were unrelated. Searches for United Bio-Technology or United Laboratories with triple agonist GLP-1 GIP glucagon returned the same two papers. No receptor pharmacology paper, animal study or independent human report is indexed. PubChem name and substance queries for UBT251 returned no compound or substance record, and neither abstract nor company release gives a sequence or structure.

Participants / model
Records returned, not a population
Treatment
Not applicable
Follow-up
Searches run on 10 October 2026
Study design
Literature and chemical-record search
Funding
not stated in the source

A search result shows what the databases returned on that date. It is not proof that no unindexed study exists. Whether UBT in the name stands for United Bio-Technology is not stated in any source reviewed.

Read the original source

Why does UBT251 sit in B tier?

B reflects a peer-reviewed placebo-controlled phase 2 trial, a paid Novo Nordisk license and five registered phase 3 trials. Nothing is approved, efficacy rests on one 24-week sponsor-run trial in Chinese adults, and no structure or sequence is public.

The B applies to weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity and no type 2 diabetes over 24 weeks. There is no phase 3 result, no published result beyond 24 weeks and no published type 2 diabetes efficacy number, and safety is known only from abstracts and company statements.

The supplier's comparison with retatrutide is a separate question: nothing in the records reviewed shows UBT251 matches or beats it.

Phase 2: 205 adults, 24 weeks, weight down 13.6% to 19.7% versus 2.0% on placebo

Randomized controlled trial

Zhou Z et al. Cell Metab. 2026. PMID 42843337.

In 205 adults with overweight or obesity and no type 2 diabetes (59.0% women, aged 18 to 61), once-weekly UBT251 for 24 weeks changed least-squares mean body weight by -19.7% to -13.6%, against -2.0% on placebo. Placebo-adjusted differences ranged from -17.7% (95% CI -20.8 to -14.6) to -11.5% (95% CI -14.1 to -9.0), all p < 0.001. Waist circumference, BMI, blood pressure, lipids and glycemic measures also improved. The most frequent adverse events were mild-to-moderate gastrointestinal symptoms.

Participants / model
205 adults with overweight or obesity and no type 2 diabetes, at Chinese centers
Treatment
UBT251 by subcutaneous injection once weekly at 2 mg, 4 mg (two starting doses), 6 mg, or placebo
Follow-up
24 weeks
Study design
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial
Funding
Sponsor: United Biotechnology; authors include employees of The United Laboratories and Novo Nordisk, and the other authors received research funds from United Biotechnology

The abstract gives no numbers for discontinuations, serious adverse events or heart rate. The trial ran 24 weeks only.

Read the original source
Phase 1a/1b paper: well tolerated, weight down 8.96 to 13.48 kg at 12 weeks

Randomized controlled trial

Yang GP et al. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2026. PMID 42712041.

Phase 1a was a single-ascending-dose trial of one subcutaneous injection from 0.1 to 4.5 mg. Phase 1b was a multiple-ascending-dose trial in people with overweight or obesity without diabetes, once weekly for 12 weeks. UBT251 was generally well tolerated, with laboratory investigations, decreased appetite and gastrointestinal events the most common adverse effects. At 1, 3 and 6 mg weekly for 12 weeks the mean body weight reduction was 8.96 to 13.48 kg, against a 1.57 kg increase on placebo. Pharmacokinetics were approximately linear across 1.0 to 6.0 mg, and fasting glucose, HbA1c and lipids fell.

Participants / model
Phase 1a participants (not described in the abstract); phase 1b adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes
Treatment
UBT251 by subcutaneous injection: one dose in phase 1a, then once weekly in phase 1b, versus placebo
Follow-up
Single dose (phase 1a); 12 weeks (phase 1b)
Study design
First-in-human randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (phase 1a and phase 1b)
Funding
not stated in the abstract; authors include staff of The United Laboratories and Novo Nordisk

The abstract gives no participant numbers, so it cannot be matched to the 36-patient company summary.

Read the original source
Company announcements, 20 June 2025 and 16 July 2026: upfront and milestone payments

Regulatory record

The United Laboratories International Holdings Limited. Voluntary announcements to the Hong Kong exchange dated 20 June 2025 and 16 July 2026, with the 31 August 2026 interim press release. Copies hosted on The United Laboratories investor relations site.

The company reported that United Biotechnology received the US$180 million upfront payment on 20 June 2025 after deduction of Danish withholding tax, and repeated eligibility for up to US$1.8 billion in development and sales milestones plus tiered royalties. A second announcement dated 16 July 2026 reports a US$13.5 million milestone payment, after Danish withholding tax, received on 15 July 2026 for the global phase II trial of UBT251 in overweight or obesity. The 31 August 2026 interim press release gives the same milestone as RMB101.9 million.

Participants / model
Not a clinical population
Treatment
Licensing and payment record
Follow-up
June 2025 to August 2026
Study design
Company announcements to the Hong Kong exchange
Funding
Issued by the licensor

Both announcements carry the exchange's standard disclaimer that it takes no responsibility for their contents. They show licensing status and payments, not efficacy.

Read the original source
Registry: five phase 3 trials, no posted results

Trial registry record

ClinicalTrials.gov records NCT07648225, NCT07659574 (UNIGUIDE-1), NCT07653477 (UNIGUIDE-2), NCT07767942 (UNISHAPE-OSA-1) and NCT07806851 (UNISHAPE-OSA-2); sponsor United Biotechnology.

Five phase 3 trials are registered, all sponsored by United Biotechnology, with no posted results. NCT07648225 (overweight or obesity, 600 planned, triple-masked, primary outcome body weight at week 52; the registry still showed not yet recruiting at its 15 June 2026 update). NCT07659574 (UNIGUIDE-1, type 2 diabetes on diet and exercise, 360 planned, placebo-controlled, HbA1c at week 40, recruiting, started 7 September 2026). NCT07653477 (UNIGUIDE-2, type 2 diabetes on metformin with or without a sulfonylurea or SGLT2 inhibitor, 956 planned, open-label against semaglutide 1 mg, HbA1c at week 40, recruiting). NCT07767942 (UNISHAPE-OSA-1, obesity with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea not on PAP, 150 planned, change in apnea-hypopnea index at week 52, not yet recruiting). NCT07806851 (UNISHAPE-OSA-2, the same condition on PAP therapy, 150 planned, not yet recruiting). A company announcement dated 4 September 2026 says the first participant was dosed in the China phase III for overweight or obesity, 600 planned, with percent weight change and the proportion reaching 5% weight loss at 52 weeks as primary endpoints.

Participants / model
Adults with overweight or obesity, type 2 diabetes, or obesity with obstructive sleep apnea
Treatment
UBT251 by subcutaneous injection versus placebo or semaglutide
Follow-up
40 to 52 weeks planned
Study design
Trial registry records, no posted results, plus a company announcement
Funding
not stated in the source

The registry still read not yet recruiting for NCT07648225 although the company says dosing began on 4 September 2026. Registered trials without results show a development plan, not an outcome.

Read the original source
FDA record search, 10 October 2026: no matches, no label

Regulatory record

U.S. Food and Drug Administration, openFDA Drugs@FDA API queries run on 10 October 2026 for UBT251 by brand name and by generic name, and a DailyMed label search for UBT251.

The openFDA queries on brand name and on generic name UBT251 each returned no matches, and a DailyMed label search returned zero labels. The company says UBT251 is approved to enter clinical trials in China and the United States (type 2 diabetes, overweight or obesity, chronic kidney disease, MASH, and obstructive sleep apnea with obesity), which is trial clearance, not marketing approval. A Novo Nordisk registry record states that UBT251 is the treatment being tested and not yet available for doctors to prescribe.

Participants / model
FDA application and label databases, not a clinical population
Treatment
Name searches
Follow-up
Queries run on 10 October 2026
Study design
Dated US approval-record search
Funding
not stated in the source

A search result shows what the databases returned on that date. Trial clearance is not marketing approval.

Read the original source
Searches, 10 October 2026: 7 PubMed records, 2 relevant, no PubChem record

PubMed search record

PubMed search run on 10 October 2026: UBT251 OR UBT-251 OR "UBT 251". 7 records returned. PubChem name and substance queries for UBT251 and UBT 251 run the same day.

The PubMed search returned 7 records. Two were relevant (the phase 1a/1b and phase 2 papers) and the other five matched fragments of the string and were unrelated. Searches for United Bio-Technology or United Laboratories with triple agonist GLP-1 GIP glucagon returned the same two papers. No receptor pharmacology paper, animal study or independent human report is indexed. PubChem name and substance queries for UBT251 returned no compound or substance record, and neither abstract nor company release gives a sequence or structure.

Participants / model
Records returned, not a population
Treatment
Not applicable
Follow-up
Searches run on 10 October 2026
Study design
Literature and chemical-record search
Funding
not stated in the source

A search result shows what the databases returned on that date. It is not proof that no unindexed study exists. Whether UBT in the name stands for United Bio-Technology is not stated in any source reviewed.

Read the original source

Studies and sources

Joint company release, 24 March 2025: identity, license terms, phase 1b summary

Regulatory record

The United Laboratories International Holdings Limited (HKEX 3933) and Novo Nordisk A/S. Joint press release, 24 March 2025. Copy hosted on The United Laboratories investor relations site.

The companies describe UBT251 as a long-acting synthetic peptide triple agonist of the GLP-1, GIP and glucagon receptors, developed by The United Bio-Technology (Hengqin) Co., Ltd. and categorized as a Class 1 innovative drug in China, with potent activity at all three receptors in a preclinical setting. No preclinical data are given. Novo Nordisk obtains an exclusive license to worldwide rights excluding mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, which United Biotechnology keeps. United Biotechnology was eligible for a US$200 million upfront payment and up to US$1.8 billion in milestones, plus tiered royalties on net sales outside those four territories. The company reported a phase 1b trial in China in 36 patients in three dose groups with titration, once weekly for 12 weeks: in completers of the highest dose group average weight fell 15.1% from baseline against a 1.5% rise on placebo, and adverse events were mostly mild to moderate gastrointestinal events. No per-group sizes are given.

Participants / model
Adults with overweight or obesity in China (phase 1b, company summary)
Treatment
UBT251 by subcutaneous injection once weekly
Follow-up
12 weeks (phase 1b)
Study design
Company press release; the phase 1b figures are the company's own summary
Funding
Issued by the developer and its licensee; trial funding terms not stated in the source

Identity, license terms and the phase 1b summary come from the companies, not from an independent check.

Read the original source
Company announcements, 20 June 2025 and 16 July 2026: upfront and milestone payments

Regulatory record

The United Laboratories International Holdings Limited. Voluntary announcements to the Hong Kong exchange dated 20 June 2025 and 16 July 2026, with the 31 August 2026 interim press release. Copies hosted on The United Laboratories investor relations site.

The company reported that United Biotechnology received the US$180 million upfront payment on 20 June 2025 after deduction of Danish withholding tax, and repeated eligibility for up to US$1.8 billion in development and sales milestones plus tiered royalties. A second announcement dated 16 July 2026 reports a US$13.5 million milestone payment, after Danish withholding tax, received on 15 July 2026 for the global phase II trial of UBT251 in overweight or obesity. The 31 August 2026 interim press release gives the same milestone as RMB101.9 million.

Participants / model
Not a clinical population
Treatment
Licensing and payment record
Follow-up
June 2025 to August 2026
Study design
Company announcements to the Hong Kong exchange
Funding
Issued by the licensor

Both announcements carry the exchange's standard disclaimer that it takes no responsibility for their contents. They show licensing status and payments, not efficacy.

Read the original source
Phase 1a/1b paper: well tolerated, weight down 8.96 to 13.48 kg at 12 weeks

Randomized controlled trial

Yang GP et al. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2026. PMID 42712041.

Phase 1a was a single-ascending-dose trial of one subcutaneous injection from 0.1 to 4.5 mg. Phase 1b was a multiple-ascending-dose trial in people with overweight or obesity without diabetes, once weekly for 12 weeks. UBT251 was generally well tolerated, with laboratory investigations, decreased appetite and gastrointestinal events the most common adverse effects. At 1, 3 and 6 mg weekly for 12 weeks the mean body weight reduction was 8.96 to 13.48 kg, against a 1.57 kg increase on placebo. Pharmacokinetics were approximately linear across 1.0 to 6.0 mg, and fasting glucose, HbA1c and lipids fell.

Participants / model
Phase 1a participants (not described in the abstract); phase 1b adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes
Treatment
UBT251 by subcutaneous injection: one dose in phase 1a, then once weekly in phase 1b, versus placebo
Follow-up
Single dose (phase 1a); 12 weeks (phase 1b)
Study design
First-in-human randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (phase 1a and phase 1b)
Funding
not stated in the abstract; authors include staff of The United Laboratories and Novo Nordisk

The abstract gives no participant numbers, so it cannot be matched to the 36-patient company summary.

Read the original source
Phase 2: 205 adults, 24 weeks, weight down 13.6% to 19.7% versus 2.0% on placebo

Randomized controlled trial

Zhou Z et al. Cell Metab. 2026. PMID 42843337.

In 205 adults with overweight or obesity and no type 2 diabetes (59.0% women, aged 18 to 61), once-weekly UBT251 for 24 weeks changed least-squares mean body weight by -19.7% to -13.6%, against -2.0% on placebo. Placebo-adjusted differences ranged from -17.7% (95% CI -20.8 to -14.6) to -11.5% (95% CI -14.1 to -9.0), all p < 0.001. Waist circumference, BMI, blood pressure, lipids and glycemic measures also improved. The most frequent adverse events were mild-to-moderate gastrointestinal symptoms.

Participants / model
205 adults with overweight or obesity and no type 2 diabetes, at Chinese centers
Treatment
UBT251 by subcutaneous injection once weekly at 2 mg, 4 mg (two starting doses), 6 mg, or placebo
Follow-up
24 weeks
Study design
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial
Funding
Sponsor: United Biotechnology; authors include employees of The United Laboratories and Novo Nordisk, and the other authors received research funds from United Biotechnology

The abstract gives no numbers for discontinuations, serious adverse events or heart rate. The trial ran 24 weeks only.

Read the original source
Company release, 8 June 2026: phase 2 baseline, responder rates, safety summary

Regulatory record

The United Laboratories International Holdings Limited. Press release on UBT251 phase 2 results at the American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions, 8 June 2026. Copy hosted on The United Laboratories investor relations site.

The company reported more detail on the phase 2 trial than the abstract: baseline mean weight 92.2 kg and mean BMI 33.1 kg/m2, randomization 2:1:1:2:2 across the four UBT251 regimens and placebo, and that participants had not yet reached a body weight plateau by week 24. The company reported that up to 98.1% of participants in the UBT251 groups reached the 5% weight-loss threshold, up to 89.8% the 10% threshold and up to 48.4% the 20% threshold, with no per-group values. It described safety and tolerability as generally consistent with other GLP-1 receptor agonists and reported no apparent dose-dependent trend in treatment-emergent adverse event incidence.

Participants / model
205 Chinese adults with obesity or overweight (company description)
Treatment
UBT251 by subcutaneous injection once weekly versus placebo
Follow-up
24 weeks
Study design
Company press release on conference results; the percentages are not in the published abstract
Funding
Issued by the developer

These percentages come only from the company and are not in the published abstract.

Read the original source
Registry: two completed China phase 2 trials, no posted results

Trial registry record

ClinicalTrials.gov records NCT07163624 (type 2 diabetes) and NCT07177469 (overweight or obesity), sponsor The United Bio-Technology (Hengqin) Co., Ltd.

ClinicalTrials.gov lists two completed China phase 2 trials sponsored by The United Bio-Technology (Hengqin) Co., Ltd., with no posted results on either. NCT07177469 (overweight or obesity, 205 enrolled, double-blind, primary outcome body weight at week 24) started 14 March 2025, reached primary completion on 22 October 2025 and was first posted on 17 September 2025, about six months after it started. It is the trial reported in the phase 2 paper. NCT07163624 (type 2 diabetes, 211 enrolled, double-blind, placebo-controlled and semaglutide-controlled, with Ozempic 1.0 mg as the active comparator, primary outcome HbA1c change at week 24) started 22 March 2025, reached primary completion on 21 November 2025 and was first posted on 9 September 2025. No peer-reviewed or registry-posted efficacy numbers for the type 2 diabetes trial were found.

Participants / model
Adults with overweight or obesity (NCT07177469); adults with type 2 diabetes (NCT07163624)
Treatment
UBT251 at 2.0, 4.0 (two starting doses) and 6.0 mg weekly; semaglutide 1.0 mg comparator in the diabetes trial
Follow-up
24 weeks
Study design
Trial registry records, no posted results
Funding
not stated in the source

A registry record without posted results shows that a trial was registered, not that UBT251 works or is safe in that population. The phase 2 paper also cites CTR20250288 in the China Drug Trials Registry, and its registration date is not known here, so prospective registration cannot be confirmed.

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Registry: further phase 2 and drug-interaction studies, no posted results

Trial registry record

ClinicalTrials.gov records NCT07395687, NCT07668388, NCT07134335, NCT07145151, NCT07710768, NCT07785934 and NCT07710729.

ClinicalTrials.gov lists further UBT251 studies that are recruiting or running, with no posted results on any. Phase 2: NCT07395687 (Novo Nordisk, overweight or obesity, global, 333 planned across Parts A, B and C, started 2 February 2026, primary completion 14 January 2027, sites in the United States and Canada); NCT07668388 (Novo Nordisk, type 2 diabetes dose-finding against semaglutide, 300 planned, started 22 June 2026, sites in nine countries, primary outcome HbA1c, with registry text saying UBT251 is not yet available for doctors to prescribe); NCT07134335 (United Biotechnology, obesity with chronic kidney disease, 180 planned, started 1 September 2025, primary outcome urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio at 24 weeks); NCT07145151 (United Biotechnology, MASH, 156 planned, started 30 September 2025, primary outcome MASH resolution without fibrosis worsening on histology at week 48). Phase 1 drug interaction and pharmacokinetic studies: NCT07710768 (Novo Nordisk, midazolam, caffeine and warfarin, 44 planned), NCT07785934 (United Biotechnology, metformin, warfarin, atorvastatin and digoxin, 48 planned) and NCT07710729 (Novo Nordisk, the oral contraceptive ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel plus gastric emptying with acetaminophen, in women of non-childbearing potential, 40 planned).

Participants / model
Adults with overweight, obesity, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease with obesity, or MASH; participants with excess body weight in the interaction studies
Treatment
UBT251 by subcutaneous injection (weekly in the efficacy trials)
Follow-up
Planned durations vary by trial
Study design
Trial registry records, no posted results
Funding
not stated in the source

A registered study without posted results shows that a study was registered, not that UBT251 works or is safe in that population.

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Registry: five phase 3 trials, no posted results

Trial registry record

ClinicalTrials.gov records NCT07648225, NCT07659574 (UNIGUIDE-1), NCT07653477 (UNIGUIDE-2), NCT07767942 (UNISHAPE-OSA-1) and NCT07806851 (UNISHAPE-OSA-2); sponsor United Biotechnology.

Five phase 3 trials are registered, all sponsored by United Biotechnology, with no posted results. NCT07648225 (overweight or obesity, 600 planned, triple-masked, primary outcome body weight at week 52; the registry still showed not yet recruiting at its 15 June 2026 update). NCT07659574 (UNIGUIDE-1, type 2 diabetes on diet and exercise, 360 planned, placebo-controlled, HbA1c at week 40, recruiting, started 7 September 2026). NCT07653477 (UNIGUIDE-2, type 2 diabetes on metformin with or without a sulfonylurea or SGLT2 inhibitor, 956 planned, open-label against semaglutide 1 mg, HbA1c at week 40, recruiting). NCT07767942 (UNISHAPE-OSA-1, obesity with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea not on PAP, 150 planned, change in apnea-hypopnea index at week 52, not yet recruiting). NCT07806851 (UNISHAPE-OSA-2, the same condition on PAP therapy, 150 planned, not yet recruiting). A company announcement dated 4 September 2026 says the first participant was dosed in the China phase III for overweight or obesity, 600 planned, with percent weight change and the proportion reaching 5% weight loss at 52 weeks as primary endpoints.

Participants / model
Adults with overweight or obesity, type 2 diabetes, or obesity with obstructive sleep apnea
Treatment
UBT251 by subcutaneous injection versus placebo or semaglutide
Follow-up
40 to 52 weeks planned
Study design
Trial registry records, no posted results, plus a company announcement
Funding
not stated in the source

The registry still read not yet recruiting for NCT07648225 although the company says dosing began on 4 September 2026. Registered trials without results show a development plan, not an outcome.

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TRIUMPH-1 (retatrutide): 2339 adults, 80 weeks, weight down 17.6% to 25.0%

Randomized controlled trial

Jastreboff AM et al. N Engl J Med. 2026. PMID 42814954.

TRIUMPH-1 (Eli Lilly funded, NCT05929066) randomized 2339 adults with obesity and no diabetes to retatrutide 4, 9 or 12 mg weekly or placebo for 80 weeks. Mean body weight change was -17.6%, -23.7% and -25.0% versus -3.9% on placebo, and gastrointestinal events were the most common adverse events.

Participants / model
2339 adults with obesity and no diabetes
Treatment
Retatrutide 4, 9 or 12 mg weekly, or placebo
Follow-up
80 weeks
Study design
Randomized placebo-controlled trial of a different compound, used here as a comparison
Funding
Eli Lilly

This is a retatrutide trial, not a UBT251 trial. The two are not compared head to head.

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Retatrutide phase 2: 338 adults, weight down 7.2% to 17.5% at 24 weeks

Randomized controlled trial

Jastreboff AM et al. N Engl J Med. 2023;389(6):514-526. PMID 37366315.

In 338 adults (NCT04881760), 24-week least-squares mean body weight changes were -7.2% (1 mg), -12.9% (4 mg, combined), -17.3% (8 mg) and -17.5% (12 mg) against -1.6% on placebo, and -24.2% at 48 weeks on 12 mg, with dose-dependent heart rate increases that peaked at 24 weeks.

Participants / model
338 adults with obesity without diabetes (per the comparison record)
Treatment
Retatrutide 1, 4, 8 or 12 mg, or placebo
Follow-up
24 and 48 weeks
Study design
Randomized placebo-controlled phase 2 trial of a different compound, used here as a comparison
Funding
not stated in the source

This is a retatrutide trial, not a UBT251 trial.

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FDA record search, 10 October 2026: no matches, no label

Regulatory record

U.S. Food and Drug Administration, openFDA Drugs@FDA API queries run on 10 October 2026 for UBT251 by brand name and by generic name, and a DailyMed label search for UBT251.

The openFDA queries on brand name and on generic name UBT251 each returned no matches, and a DailyMed label search returned zero labels. The company says UBT251 is approved to enter clinical trials in China and the United States (type 2 diabetes, overweight or obesity, chronic kidney disease, MASH, and obstructive sleep apnea with obesity), which is trial clearance, not marketing approval. A Novo Nordisk registry record states that UBT251 is the treatment being tested and not yet available for doctors to prescribe.

Participants / model
FDA application and label databases, not a clinical population
Treatment
Name searches
Follow-up
Queries run on 10 October 2026
Study design
Dated US approval-record search
Funding
not stated in the source

A search result shows what the databases returned on that date. Trial clearance is not marketing approval.

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Why is UBT251 in B tier?

B fits a compound with a peer-reviewed placebo-controlled phase 2 trial, a first-in-human paper, a paid Novo Nordisk license and five registered phase 3 trials. It does not reach A because nothing is approved, efficacy rests on one 24-week sponsor-run trial in Chinese adults, no phase 3 result exists, no type 2 diabetes efficacy number is published, safety is known only from abstracts and company statements, and no structure or sequence is public.