Retatrutide is a triple hormone receptor agonist that targets GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon pathways, offering significant benefits for weight loss, metabolic health, and blood sugar control. Early clinical trials show it leads to substantial weight reduction, improved glycemic control, and favorable effects on liver fat and cardiovascular risk factors, with a once-weekly dosing regimen due to its extended half-life of approximately six days.
Retatrutide reduces appetite and promotes satiety by slowing gastric emptying and regulating insulin secretion, which helps manage food intake and blood glucose levels.
It enhances fat metabolism and increases energy expenditure by activating the glucagon receptor, leading to greater fat breakdown and a higher resting metabolic rate, which supports faster weight loss.
Clinical studies report average weight loss of up to 24.2% after 48 weeks at the highest dose, surpassing results seen with dual agonists like tirzepatide and semaglutide.
It improves insulin sensitivity and glycemic control, with reductions in HbA1c and fasting glucose levels, making it promising for individuals with type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome.
Retatrutide shows potential in reducing liver fat and improving markers of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, as well as lowering triglycerides and balancing leptin and adiponectin levels.
Common side effects are primarily gastrointestinal and dose-related, such as nausea and vomiting, but are generally manageable with medical supervision.
As of January 2026, retatrutide is still undergoing clinical trials and has not yet received regulatory approval for general use, though it is being actively studied in Phase III trials like the TRIUMPH studies.