United Laboratories partners with Novo Nordisk to develop UBT251

In Guangdong, China, and Bagsværd, Denmark, on March 24, 2025, The United Laboratories International Holdings Limited and Novo Nordisk A/S announced a significant partnership through an exclusive license agreement. This agreement involves UBT251, a triple receptor agonist in the early stages of clinical development targeting obesity and type 2 diabetes, which is crucial given the rising prevalence of these conditions globally. Under this agreement, Novo Nordisk acquires exclusive rights to further develop, manufacture, and commercialize this innovative therapeutic outside of several regions including the Chinese mainland. The deal entails financial arrangements where United Biotechnology, a wholly-owned subsidiary of TUL, will receive an upfront payment of 200 million US dollars along with potential milestone payments totaling up to 1.8 billion dollars. Additionally, United Biotechnology will receive tiered royalties on net sales outside the specified regions. This substantial financial backing highlights the confidence both parties have in the potential of UBT251 to significantly impact the treatment landscape for obesity and type 2 diabetes. Recently, preliminary results from phase 2 clinical trials for UBT251 in individuals with overweight or obesity in China have indicated promising outcomes with a strong safety profile consistent with other therapies in this class. The trial, involving 36 participants, showcased a significant reduction in weight among the treatment group compared to a placebo control. This kind of rapid weight loss response may represent a new strategic avenue for tackling obesity-related health issues, especially considering that the most common adverse events reported were mild to moderate gastrointestinal issues. These findings underscore the potential of UBT251 as an effective therapeutic option in a field desperately in need of innovation. This partnership signals a pivotal moment not just for TUL and Novo Nordisk but also for the global health landscape as both companies are committed to bringing advanced therapeutic options to market for conditions that currently lack effective treatments. As such, this collaboration aligns with Novo Nordisk’s strategic vision of leading the way in treating chronic diseases linked to obesity, following their long-standing expertise in diabetes care. This synergy could facilitate a robust pipeline of new therapies intended to cater to the diverse needs of patients worldwide, marking a transformative step in the fight against these prevalent diseases.