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The United Laboratories and Novo Nordisk announce exclusive license agreement for UBT251, a GLP-1/GIP/glucagon triple receptor agonist

1. Novo Nordisk obtains exclusive rights to UBT251 for treatment of chronic diseases. 2. UBT251 shows promise in clinical trials for obesity and type 2 diabetes. 3. Collaboration indicates commitment to innovation in chronic disease treatment. 4. TUL to receive $200 million plus up to $1.8 billion in milestone payments. 5. The drug has a strong safety profile consistent with current therapies.

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Why Bullish?

Novo's acquisition of UBT251 enhances their product pipeline, historically boosting stock prices after strategic expansions.

How important is it?

The article discusses a significant licensing agreement that impacts Novo's future product offerings.

Why Long Term?

Successful outcomes from UBT251's trials and commercialization can contribute to long-term revenue growth.

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TULPFEAMGNSNY
Guangdong, China and Bagsværd, Denmark, 24 March 2025 –The United Laboratories International Holdings Limited (TUL) and Novo Nordisk A/S (Novo Nordisk) today announced that Novo Nordisk and TUL’s wholly-owned subsidiary The United Bio-Technology (Hengqin) Co., Ltd. (United Biotechnology), have entered into an exclusive license agreement for UBT251, a triple agonist of the receptors for GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon in early-stage clinical development for the treatment of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other diseases. Under the license agreement, Novo Nordisk will obtain exclusive worldwide rights (excluding Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan) to develop, manufacture, and commercialize UBT251. United Biotechnology will retain the rights for UBT251 in Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. United Biotechnology is eligible to receive an upfront payment of 200 million US dollars and potential milestone payments of up to 1.8 billion dollars from Novo Nordisk, as well as tiered royalties on net sales outside of Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. “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,” said Martin Holst Lange, executive vice president for Development at Novo Nordisk. “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.” United Biotechnology recently completed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 1b trial in China designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of multiple subcutaneous injections of UBT251 in people with overweight or obesity. A total of 36 patients were enrolled in three different dose groups (1mg, 1mg/3mg, 1mg/3mg/6mg). Each group adopted a dose titration method, with subcutaneous injection once a week for 12 consecutive weeks. The safety profile of UBT251 was consistent with incretin-based therapies. The most common adverse events were gastrointestinal and the vast majority were mild to moderate in severity. In the highest dose group, the average weight of the people who completed the trial decreased by 15.1% from baseline, while the average weight of people in the placebo group increased by 1.5% from baseline. “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,” said Mr. Tsoi Hoi Shan, the Chairman of TUL. “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.” This collaboration represents a pivotal milestone in TUL’s ongoing efforts to establish a global strategic presence and demonstrates its commitment to innovation-driven transformation. TUL will continue to foster scientific innovation, advance high-quality and sustainable development, and accelerate the establishment of a globally competitive framework for manufacturing, R&D, and commercialization. The closing of this transaction is subject to applicable regulatory clearance and other customary closing conditions. About UBT251UBT251 is a long-acting synthetic peptide triple agonist targeting the receptors for GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and glucagon. It has demonstrated potent activity on all three receptors in a preclinical setting. UBT251 is categorized as a Class 1 innovative drug in China, being developed by United Biotechnology for multiple indications. To date, UBT251 has been approved for clinical trials in China in adult type 2 diabetes, overweight or obesity, metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), and chronic kidney disease (CKD), and for clinical trials in the United States in adult type 2 diabetes, overweight or obesity, and CKD. United Biotechnology recently initiated a phase 2 trial for UBT251 in people with overweight or obesity in China. About TUL and United BiotechnologyFounded in 1990, TUL (HKEX: 3933) is mainly engaged in the research and development, production and sales of pharmaceuticals, and ranks among the leading integrated pharmaceutical companies in China. TUL currently boasts seven production bases, covering intermediate products, bulk medicine , finished products, veterinary drugs, empty capsule casings, and medical devices, with the sales networks dotted across nearly 80 countries and regions. United Biotechnology, located in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, serves as the biopharmaceutical R&D headquarter of TUL. United Biotechnology focuses on the development of high-end biopharmaceuticals to treat major chronic diseases. For more information, please visit www.tul.com.cn. About Novo NordiskNovo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company, founded in 1923 and headquartered in Denmark. Our purpose is to drive change to defeat serious chronic diseases, built upon our heritage in diabetes. We do so by pioneering scientific breakthroughs, expanding access to our medicines, and working to prevent and ultimately cure disease. Novo Nordisk employs about 76,300 people in 80 countries and markets its products in around 170 countries. For more information, visit novonordisk.com, Facebook, X, LinkedIn and YouTube. Contacts for further information Novo Nordisk Media: Martin Havtorn Petersen +45 3075 5246mhpz@novonordisk.comLiz Skrbkova (US)+1 609 917 0632lzsk@novonordisk.comNovo Nordisk investors: Jacob Martin Wiborg Rode+45 3075 5956jrde@novonordisk.comIda Schaap Melvold +45 3077 5649 idmg@novonordisk.comSina Meyer +45 3079 6656 azey@novonordisk.comMax Ung+45 3077 6414mxun@novonordisk.comFrederik Taylor Pitter +1 609 613 0568fptr@novonordisk.com TUL Media: iPR Ogilvy Ltd.Tina Law / Joann Fang / Himo Liu+852 2136 6181 / 3920 7619 /3920 7654tul@iprogilvy.com TUL Investors: Karen Yang / Sandy He / Mercy Mo+86 760 8713 3970/ 8713 3742/8713 3724tulir@tul.com.hk  PR250312-UBT251

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