Novo Nordisk has reported new phase 2 data for UBT251, its triple agonist targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon, showing strong results in Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes. After 24 weeks, UBT251 reduced HbA1c by up to 2.16% and body weight by up to 9.8%, outperforming both placebo and semaglutide 1 mg in the trial. The company also said the safety and tolerability profile appeared consistent with what has been seen in other triple agonist studies.
The results add to the growing pipeline of next-generation diabetes and obesity therapies, and they give Novo Nordisk another promising candidate as competition with Eli Lilly continues to intensify. At the same time, this is still phase 2 data from a 211-patient trial in China, so fuller results and larger global studies will matter in judging how UBT251 ultimately compares in broader use. Novo Nordisk said it expects to start a global phase 2 trial in type 2 diabetes in the second half of 2026.
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