GLP1 RETATRUTIDE

Retatrutide (Triple-Hormone Agonist Therapy)

What it is

Retatrutide is an investigational injectable therapy developed by Eli Lilly and Company that acts as a triple-receptor agonist: it simultaneously activates the GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptor, the GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor, and the glucagon (GCG) receptor.   It is being studied for treatment of obesity, overweight, and metabolic dysfunction.  

How it works

• Activation of the GLP-1 receptor helps enhance insulin secretion in response to meals, slows gastric emptying, and suppresses appetite.  
• Activation of the GIP receptor enhances insulin and may help metabolic regulation when combined with GLP-1 agonism.  
• Activation of the glucagon receptor increases energy expenditure and fat oxidation, which may result in greater weight-loss potential.  
• Together, these mechanisms result in a synergistic effect on weight loss, improved glycaemic control, and metabolic improvements.  

What it treats & benefits

• It is designed for adults with overweight or obesity, seeking a medically supervised weight-management therapy. In a phase 2 trial, retatrutide produced mean weight reductions up to ~17.5% at 24 weeks, and up to ~24.2% at 48 weeks in the highest dose group.  
• It also showed meaningful improvements in glycaemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes.  
• Because it is more potent and broader-acting than existing GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP treatments alone, it may represent a next-generation metabolic therapy.

Current status & important disclaimers

• Not yet FDA-approved. Retatrutide remains investigational; therefore it is not legally available for prescription outside of clinical trials in the U.S.  
• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings that unapproved or compounding versions of such medications pose significant risks.  
• Safety data are still emerging; though initial studies show a safety profile broadly consistent with GLP-1 agonists, gluocagon/GIP triple-agonism introduces new considerations.  

Considerations & who it’s for

Good candidate if you:

• Are an adult with a BMI that qualifies for obesity/weight-management therapy under your clinician’s guidelines.
• Have tried lifestyle interventions and/or other therapies and are seeking a higher-potency agent (when/if approved).
• Are under medical supervision and willing to commit to follow-up monitoring, lifestyle support (diet, exercise) and safety checks.

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