Triple GLP-1/GIP/Glucagon Receptor Agonist
Investigational

Retatrutide

Pending FDA approval

Manufactured by Eli Lilly · Subcutaneous injection

Avg Weight Loss

~24

Dosing

Once weekly

Brand Cost

Pricing not yet established

Compounded

N/A

How It Works

Retatrutide is a first-in-class triple incretin agonist that simultaneously activates three receptors: GLP-1 (appetite suppression, insulin secretion), GIP (enhanced insulin sensitivity, fat metabolism), and glucagon (increased energy expenditure, hepatic fat oxidation). This triple mechanism addresses obesity through three complementary pathways: reducing caloric intake (GLP-1), improving metabolic efficiency (GIP), and increasing caloric expenditure (glucagon). The combination has produced the highest weight loss of any anti-obesity medication studied to date.

Pending FDA approval (Weight Management / Type 2 Diabetes)

Dosing & Titration

Retatrutide

0.5mg 1mg 2mg 4mg 8mg 12mg

Titration Protocol

Phase 2 protocol: Start at 0.5mg weekly, titrate through 1mg, 2mg, 4mg, 8mg to 12mg weekly over approximately 20 weeks with dose increases every 4 weeks. Phase 3 titration schedules being finalized.

Common Side Effects

Common Nausea Common Diarrhea Common Vomiting Common Constipation Common Decreased appetite Common Dyspepsia Common Injection site reactions

Serious Risks

Pancreatitis (theoretical class risk)

Thyroid C-cell tumors (theoretical class risk, being evaluated)

Increased heart rate

Hepatic effects (glucagon component — monitoring ongoing)

Hypoglycemia

Potential hyperglycemic effect from glucagon agonism (under investigation)

Full safety profile still under investigation

Cost Comparison

Brand Name

Pricing not yet established

per month

Compounded

N/A

per month

Pharmacy Options

Not yet available

Insurance Coverage

Not yet applicable. Expected to seek FDA approval for obesity and potentially Type 2 Diabetes and MASH.

Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • Highest weight loss of any anti-obesity medication studied (~24%)
  • Triple receptor mechanism is unique
  • Potential MASH indication (glucagon component reduces liver fat)
  • Once-weekly dosing
  • Could redefine treatment expectations for obesity
  • Phase 2 results suggest Phase 3 may show 25-30% weight loss

Disadvantages

  • Not yet FDA approved (likely 2027+ at earliest)
  • Furthest from market of pipeline candidates
  • GI side effects comparable to dual agonists
  • Glucagon component complexity (potential hyperglycemia in diabetics)
  • Limited safety data — only Phase 2 completed
  • Injection only

Clinical Evidence

Clinical Trial Programs

TRIUMPH program: TRIUMPH-1 (obesity/overweight without diabetes), TRIUMPH-2 (obesity with Type 2 Diabetes), TRIUMPH-3 (MASH), TRIUMPH-4 (cardiovascular outcomes). Phase 2 results published in NEJM (2023).

phase2

24.2% mean weight loss at 12mg over 48 weeks vs 2.1% placebo. 26% achieved >=30% body weight loss. Participants with obesity and Type 2 Diabetes lost up to 17.5%.

Contraindications

  • Not yet approved — contraindications will be determined through regulatory review
  • Likely to include MTC/MEN 2 history (consistent with GLP-1/GIP class)

Find providers offering Retatrutide near you

Compare pricing, pharmacy sourcing, and clinical oversight across verified providers prescribing Pending FDA approval.

Compare Providers → Search by Location

Get weekly GLP-1 medication updates

New research, pricing changes, and provider comparisons — delivered to your inbox.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Compare all GLP-1 medications

See how Retatrutide stacks up against other GLP-1 options. Compare efficacy, cost, side effects, and dosing schedules side by side.

View All Medications →