Novo Nordisk Joins Forces with TUL to Advance Breakthrough Obesity and Diabetes Treatment
Novo Nordisk partners with TUL in a $2B deal to develop UBT251, a next-gen therapy for obesity and diabetes.
Breaking News
Mar 24, 2025
Mrudula Kulkarni

In a major step forward for obesity and diabetes treatment, Novo Nordisk has partnered with The United Laboratories (TUL) to develop UBT251, a triple agonist drug targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon. This $2 billion licensing agreement gives Novo Nordisk exclusive global rights—excluding China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan—to develop and commercialize the drug, while TUL’s United Biotechnology retains regional rights. Early clinical trials have shown promising weight loss effects, with patients in the highest dose group losing an average of 15.1% of their body weight over 12 weeks.
Martin Holst Lange, EVP of Development at Novo Nordisk, highlighted UBT251’s potential to diversify their treatment portfolio for obesity and metabolic disorders. TUL Chairman, Mr. Tsoi Hoi Shan, emphasized that this collaboration strengthens TUL’s global presence and aligns with their long-term vision for chronic disease innovation. With regulatory approvals pending, this partnership could reshape obesity and diabetes care worldwide, offering a more effective treatment for millions.