Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk has entered an exclusive licence agreement with The United Laboratories’ subsidiary United Biotechnology, for UBT251.
UBT251 is a triple receptor agonist targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon, currently in early-stage clinical development for obesity and type 2 diabetes treatment.
Under the agreement, Novo Nordisk will obtain worldwide rights to develop and commercialise UBT251, excluding China mainland, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.
United Biotechnology will receive an upfront payment of $200m and potential milestone payments of up to $1.8bn from Novo Nordisk.
It will earn tiered royalties on net sales outside the specified regions, while retaining rights to UBT251 in China mainland, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.
The closing of the transaction is subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions.
Novo Nordisk executive vice president for development Martin Holst Lange said: “Novo Nordisk is dedicated to providing improved treatment options for people living with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other cardiometabolic diseases.
“The addition of a candidate targeting glucagon, as well as GLP-1 and GIP, will add important optionality to our clinical pipeline, as we look to develop a broad portfolio of differentiated treatment options that cater to the diverse needs of people living with these highly prevalent diseases.
“We look forward to building on United Biotechnology’s scientific work and further exploring the potential best-in-class properties of UBT251 across cardiometabolic disease indications.”
UBT251 is classified as a Class 1 innovative drug in China and is undergoing clinical trials for multiple indications, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, MAFLD, and CKD.
United Biotechnology recently completed a Phase 1b trial in China, evaluating UBT251’s safety and efficacy in overweight or obese individuals.
The trial involved 36 patients across three dose groups, each receiving weekly subcutaneous injections for 12 weeks.
Results showed a 15.1% average weight reduction in the highest dose group, with mild to moderate gastrointestinal adverse events.
Also, a Phase 2 trial of UBT251 in overweight or obese people has been initiated in China.
United Laboratories chairman Tsoi Hoi Shan said: “We are pleased to announce our exclusive license agreement with Novo Nordisk for UBT251. As a leading global biopharmaceutical company, Novo Nordisk holds a strong position in the treatment of chronic diseases.
“TUL is committed to strengthening its presence in the treatment of chronic diseases, including endocrine and metabolic disorders, while actively expanding its footprint in global markets. We believe that Novo Nordisk’s expertise will play a key role in accelerating the global development of UBT251.”
