Novo Nordisk’s UBT251 Shows Promise in Obesity Treatment Following CagriSema Setback
Novo Nordisk is seeking a path forward in the competitive obesity drug market following the recent failure of its CagriSema drug to demonstrate superiority over Eli Lilly’s Zepbound. New data on a triple agonist, UBT251, developed with its Chinese partner United Laboratories, reveals up to 19.7% weight loss in patients over 24 weeks, offering a potential alternative.
CagriSema Disappointment and the Need for New Options
The recent announcement that Novo Nordisk’s CagriSema did not meet its primary endpoint in a head-to-head trial against Eli Lilly’s tirzepatide (Zepbound) sent the Danish drugmaker’s stock plummeting over 16% on Monday. Analysts at BMO Capital Markets have emphasized Novo Nordisk’s need for a more effective treatment to compete with Zepbound and retatrutide, another promising asset from Eli Lilly according to BioSpace.
UBT251: A Triple Agonist Showing Positive Results
UBT251 is a triple agonist targeting the GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors. Phase 2 trial data presented by United Laboratories showed that patients taking UBT251 once weekly experienced weight loss of up to 19.7% after 24 weeks, starting from a baseline weight of 92.2 kg. In comparison, patients receiving a placebo lost 2% of their body weight.
While these results are encouraging, comparisons to Zepbound must be made cautiously. Phase 3 trials of Zepbound have demonstrated weight loss of up to 20.9% after 72 weeks. Weight loss typically continues beyond the 24-week mark, suggesting UBT251 could potentially surpass Zepbound’s results in a longer trial. But, Novo and United Laboratories have not yet released data on whether weight loss plateaus over time.
Competition from Eli Lilly’s Retatrutide
Eli Lilly’s retatrutide, also a triple agonist targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon, presents a significant competitive challenge. Phase 3 trial data for retatrutide showed patients lost 28.7% of their body weight after 68 weeks as reported by BioSpace. This deeper weight loss could limit the market share available to Novo Nordisk and other competitors.
Safety and Future Development
The phase 2 data for UBT251 also indicated statistically significant improvements in waist circumference, blood glucose, blood pressure, and lipid levels. The drug appeared to have a safe and well-tolerated profile, although detailed data will be presented at an upcoming medical congress.
Novo Nordisk has initiated a phase 2 trial of UBT251 in North America, focusing on weight loss. United Laboratories’ research and development program in China extends beyond obesity to include chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. United Laboratories aims to launch UBT251 for obesity treatment in 2028, with other indications planned for 2029 and beyond.