United Laboratories and Novo Nordisk Ink Deal for GLP-1/GIP/Glucagon Triple Receptor Agonist
Novo Nordisk makes move to expand on GLP-1 combination market
In efforts to improve weight loss and diabetes drugs, as well as consolidate a market edge, companies are mixing and matching combination drugs in the GLP-1 agonist class. The United Laboratories (Guangdong, China) and Novo Nordisk (Bagsvaerd, Denmark) signed an exclusive license deal for UBT251, a GLP-1/GIP/glucagon triple receptor agonist. The combo compound is in early-stage clinical development for obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other diseases.
Novo Nordisk, a leader in the market with Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, and Victoza as well as a long string of insulins (Awiqli, Tresiba, Xultophy, Levemir, etc.), will get exclusive global rights (excluding Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan) to develop and take UBT251 to market. United Biotechnology, a wholly owned subsidiary of The United Laboratories, will receive $200 million (U.S.) upfront and is eligible for a potential $1.8 billion in milestone payments from Novo Nordisk, as well as tiered royalties on net sales.
UBT251 is a long-acting synthetic peptide triple agonist. It targets receptors for glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), and glucagon. In preclinical studies it showed activity on all three receptors. So far, the drug has been approved for clinical trials in China for adult type 2 diabetes, overweight or obesity, metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), and chronic kidney disease (CKD). In the U.S., it has been given the OK for studies for adult type 2 diabetes, overweight or obesity, and CKD.
United Biotechnology recently wrapped a Phase Ib trial in China in overweight or obese individuals. This small study looked at 36 patients at three different doses, evaluating safety, efficacy and appropriate dosage.
Martin Holst Lange, EVP for Development at Novo Nordisk noted that a candidate that targets all three receptors “will add important optionality to our clinical pipeline, as we look to develop a broad portfolio of different treatment options that cater to the diverse needs of people living with these highly prevalent diseases.”
In 2023, the global market for GLP-1 analogs was $37.4 billion but is expected to grow at a whopping CAGR of 33.2%, reaching $471.1 billion by 2032. The two players that dominate the market are Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly and Company.