what is retatrutide
Verified Source-Derived Information
- ✓Triple-agonist receptor profile targeting GLP-1R, GIPR, and GCGR (Glucagon).
- ✓Phase 2 clinical trial (NEJM 2023, Jastreboff et al.) demonstrated up to 24.2% body weight loss at 48 weeks (12 mg dose, PMID 37364334).
- ✓Investigational status: Currently in Phase 3 TRIUMPH trials; not approved by the FDA or EMA.
- Level 2 · Peer-Reviewed ResearchNEJM — Retatrutide Phase 2 Trial (Jastreboff et al., 2023) ↗
- Therapept ReferenceRetatrutide profile & 3-pathway explorer →
Educational Explanation & Context
Retatrutide is an experimental triple-hormone peptide that set clinical trial records by reducing average body weight by up to 24.2% in Phase 2. It simultaneously activates three distinct metabolic receptors: GLP-1, GIP, and Glucagon.
Retatrutide (development code LY3437943) is a single 39-amino-acid peptide with an acylated C20 fatty diacid moiety that extends its plasma half-life to approximately 6 days, allowing once-weekly subcutaneous dosing. Its triple-agonist architecture coordinates satiety (GLP-1), improved insulin secretion and fat storage (GIP), and hepatic lipid clearance with thermogenesis (Glucagon).
Retatrutide was developed by Eli Lilly to explore whether adding a third hormone pathway (glucagon) could exceed the weight loss and glycemic control seen with single (GLP-1) or dual (GLP-1 + GIP) incretins.
In a landmark 48-week Phase 2 trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine, participants receiving the highest dose (12 mg) lost an average of 24.2% of their body weight, compared to 2.1% in the placebo group.
Unknown / Not Available & Regulatory Boundaries
Retatrutide is in active Phase 3 evaluation (TRIUMPH). Complete long-term cardiovascular safety data remains pending final trial readouts.
- •Retatrutide is NOT approved by the FDA for any therapeutic indication and is only available through clinical trials.
