Retatrutide

An experimental once-weekly shot that acts on three hormone receptors: GIP, GLP-1 and glucagon. In phase 3 trials for obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Evidence: Ongoing clinical research
Half-life: ~6 days
Sources: 3 cited

Is retatrutide FDA-approved?

Investigational. Not FDA-approved.

Overview

Retatrutide is Eli Lilly's investigational "triple agonist." In a 48-week phase 2 trial, adults with obesity on the highest dose lost about 24% of their body weight on average, versus about 2% on placebo. Phase 3 trials are testing it for obesity, type 2 diabetes, knee osteoarthritis pain, sleep apnea, and heart and kidney outcomes. Versions sold online as "research peptides" are not the studied drug.

How it works

The GLP-1 and GIP parts curb appetite and help insulin release. The glucagon part raises the body's energy use and pushes the liver to burn more fat.

How long does retatrutide stay in the body?

About 6 days in early human studies, which supports weekly shots.

What it's studied for

Obesity
Type 2 diabetes
Fatty liver disease
Knee osteoarthritis pain
Heart and kidney outcomes

Reported side effects

Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation (mostly when the dose goes up)
Higher resting heart rate, dose-related

Sources

The studies and prescribing labels this page is written from.