Retatrutide
LY3437943
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:
Secondary Benefits:
Clinical Evidence Summary
Research Pipeline
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 PubMedNovel GLP-1-based Medications for Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity.
ReviewSon JW, le Roux CW, Blüher M, et al. · Endocrine reviews · 2026
PMID: 41054801Retatrutide for the treatment of obesity, obstructive sleep apnea and knee osteoarthritis: Rationale and design of the TRIUMPH registrational clinical trials.
Human StudyGiblin K, Kaplan LM, Somers VK, et al. · Diabetes, obesity & metabolism · 2026
PMID: 41090431Efficacy and Safety of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists for Weight Loss Among Adults Without Diabetes : A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Meta-AnalysisMoiz A, Filion KB, Toutounchi H, et al. · Annals of internal medicine · 2025
PMID: 39761578What is the pipeline for future medications for obesity?
ReviewMelson E, Ashraf U, Papamargaritis D, et al. · International journal of obesity (2005) · 2025
PMID: 38302593The promise of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) for the treatment of obesity: a look at phase 2 and 3 pipelines.
ReviewMadsbad S, Holst JJ · Expert opinion on investigational drugs · 2025
PMID: 40022548Side Effects & Safety
Common Side Effects (from Phase 2 trial):
Rare but Serious Risks:
> 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.