Retatrutide

LY3437943

Rank#999
Weight LossNot ApprovedPhase IIIResearchSubQ

Popular for:Weight loss, triple agonist (GLP-1/GIP/glucagon)

128

Total Studies

84

Human Studies

Phase III

Evidence Level

Not Approved

FDA Status

Overview

Retatrutide (LY3437943) is a novel triple-hormone receptor agonist developed by Eli Lilly. It simultaneously activates GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide), and glucagon receptors. It represents the most potent weight loss peptide in clinical development, achieving up to 24.2% body weight reduction in Phase 2 trials — exceeding both semaglutide and tirzepatide.

**Originally developed for: **Obesity and type 2 diabetes treatment by Eli Lilly. Also being studied for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD/NAFLD).

Mechanism of Action

Triple agonism: GLP-1 receptor activation reduces appetite and slows gastric emptying. GIP receptor activation enhances insulin secretion and may improve lipid metabolism. Glucagon receptor activation increases energy expenditure, promotes hepatic fat oxidation, and may reduce liver fat. The combination of all three mechanisms creates superior weight loss and metabolic improvement compared to single or dual agonists.

Key Research Benefits

Primary Benefits:

Unprecedented weight loss — Up to 24.2% body weight reduction at 48 weeks (NEJM Phase 2 trial, Jastreboff et al., 2023)
Glycemic control — Significant HbA1c reductions in type 2 diabetes patients
Liver fat reduction — Phase 2a MASLD trial showed dramatic liver fat reduction (Nature Medicine, 2024)
Improved lipid profile — Reduces triglycerides, improves cholesterol markers

Secondary Benefits:

Blood pressure reduction
Waist circumference reduction
Potential cardiovascular risk reduction (under investigation)

Clinical Evidence Summary

Research Pipeline

Preclinical
Animal
Phase I
Phase II
Phase III
Approved

128

Total Studies

84

Human Studies

- Jastreboff et al. (2023, NEJM) — Phase 2 trial in obesity. 338 participants. 24.2% weight loss at highest dose (12 mg) over 48 weeks. Published in New England Journal of Medicine.

- Sanyal et al. (2024, Nature Medicine) — Phase 2a MASLD trial. Demonstrated significant liver fat reduction and potential for NASH/MASLD treatment.

- Phase 2 type 2 diabetes trial — Significant HbA1c reductions alongside weight loss.

> Clinical trial status: Phase 3 trials (TRIUMPH program) are ongoing for obesity and type 2 diabetes. Eli Lilly is the sponsor. Expected FDA submission timeline is pending Phase 3 results. This is one of the most anticipated weight loss drugs in the pipeline.

Key Studies / PubMed References

128 studies found on PubMed · showing top 25 by relevance

View all on PubMed

Novel GLP-1-based Medications for Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity.

Review

Son JW, le Roux CW, Blüher M, et al. · Endocrine reviews · 2026

PMID: 41054801

Retatrutide for the treatment of obesity, obstructive sleep apnea and knee osteoarthritis: Rationale and design of the TRIUMPH registrational clinical trials.

Human Study

Giblin K, Kaplan LM, Somers VK, et al. · Diabetes, obesity & metabolism · 2026

PMID: 41090431

Efficacy and Safety of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists for Weight Loss Among Adults Without Diabetes : A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Meta-Analysis

Moiz A, Filion KB, Toutounchi H, et al. · Annals of internal medicine · 2025

PMID: 39761578

What is the pipeline for future medications for obesity?

Review

Melson E, Ashraf U, Papamargaritis D, et al. · International journal of obesity (2005) · 2025

PMID: 38302593

The promise of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) for the treatment of obesity: a look at phase 2 and 3 pipelines.

Review

Madsbad S, Holst JJ · Expert opinion on investigational drugs · 2025

PMID: 40022548

Side Effects & Safety

Common Side Effects (from Phase 2 trial):

Nausea (most common — dose-dependent, reduces with titration)
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Constipation
Decreased appetite (intended effect but can be excessive)

Rare but Serious Risks:

Increased heart rate (small but measurable in trials)
Potential pancreatitis risk (class concern for GLP-1 agonists)
Thyroid C-cell tumor risk (class concern — rodent studies; human relevance unclear)
Gallbladder issues with rapid weight loss

> Contraindications: Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2 syndrome. History of pancreatitis. Caution in type 1 diabetes. Drug interactions: Insulin and sulfonylureas (hypoglycemia risk). May affect absorption of oral medications due to delayed gastric emptying.

Known Interactions

No curated interaction entry is live for Retatrutide yet.

Until the interaction table is fully populated, use the interaction checker and related peptides below to explore adjacent compounds and likely research pairings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Research Disclaimer

This page is for research and educational purposes only. The information presented is based on published scientific literature and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Retatrutide is not approved by the FDA for human therapeutic use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The studies referenced are linked to their original PubMed sources for verification.