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What Is Retatrutide?
Retatrutide Research Profile · LY3437943
Retatrutide is an investigational synthetic peptide receptor agonist designed to activate GIP, GLP-1 and glucagon receptors. Its clinical program includes Phase 3 trials, while the reviewed FDA source does not identify an approved retatrutide drug product.
What Is Retatrutide?
Retatrutide, development code LY3437943, is a synthetic peptide studied as a single-molecule agonist at the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucagon receptors. Research spans obesity, type 2 diabetes and selected metabolic complications.
Evidence at a Glance
Counts use the synchronized queries “retatrutide OR LY3437943”. PubMed returned 200 records, retrieved 2026-10-06T11:16:25Z; ClinicalTrials.gov returned 35 records, retrieved 2026-10-06T11:16:25Z. Counts are search records, not a quality score or proof of efficacy.
Sources: PubMed search results · ClinicalTrials.gov Retatrutide records · Retrieved 2026-10-06
Evidence interpretationAssessment and full evidence matrix
Current Research Assessment
Supported by current evidence
Randomized human studies have reported outcomes in obesity and type 2 diabetes populations. Phase 3 publications and registry records are now available for selected programs.
Still uncertain
Results from direct comparisons with tirzepatide and semaglutide are not presented here because the synchronized head-to-head registry records do not establish published outcome conclusions.
Important limitations
Findings belong to their specific designs, populations, endpoints and follow-up periods. A trial result cannot be generalized to laboratory products or individual outcomes.
Studied Applications & Evidence Matrix
| Research area | Evidence type | Current finding | Key source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obesity / overweight | Limited Human | Phase 2 and Phase 3 randomized studies report body-weight endpoints; results apply to their enrolled populations and protocols. | PMID 37366315; PMID 42814954 |
| Type 2 diabetes | Limited Human | Randomized Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies report glycemic and body-weight endpoints in defined adult populations. | PMID 37385280; PMID 42250575 |
| MASLD / liver fat | Limited Human | A 98-participant Phase 2a substudy reported MRI-measured liver-fat changes; it was a substudy and does not establish broader clinical outcomes. | PMID 38858523 |
| Chronic kidney disease | Mechanistic | A Phase 2b mechanistic study was designed around measured GFR and imaging endpoints; protocol evidence alone is not an outcome conclusion. | PMID 41160422; NCT05936151 |
Mechanism & Pharmacology
Peer-reviewed clinical papers describe Retatrutide as an agonist at the GIP, GLP-1 and glucagon receptors. These receptor pathways are being studied together within one molecule. This profile does not turn pathway activity into a therapeutic claim.
Direct source: NEJM Phase 2 publication, PMID 37366315
Clinical Development
Six decision-relevant records are shown by default on desktop and three on mobile. Open the registry explorer for all 35 synchronized records.
| NCT ID / study | Phase | Status | Context | Sponsor | Last registry update |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCT05929066A Study of Retatrutide (LY3437943) in Participants Who Have Obesity or Overweight | Phase 3 | Completed | Obesity, Overweight, Osteoarthritis, Knee, Obstructive Sleep Apnea | Eli Lilly and Company | 2026-08-21 |
| NCT05929079A Study of Retatrutide (LY3437943) in Participants With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Who Have Obesity or Overweight | Phase 3 | Completed | Type 2 Diabetes, Obesity, Overweight, Obstructive Sleep Apnea | Eli Lilly and Company | 2026-07-30 |
| NCT06354660Effect of Retatrutide Compared With Placebo in Adult Participants With Type 2 Diabetes and Inadequate Glycemic Control With Diet and Exercise Alone (TRANSCEND-T2D-1) | Phase 3 | Completed | Diabetes Type 2 | Eli Lilly and Company | 2026-03-05 |
| NCT06662383A Study of Retatrutide (LY3437943) Compared to Tirzepatide (LY3298176) in Adults Who Have Obesity | Phase 3 | Active Not Recruiting | Obesity | Eli Lilly and Company | 2026-07-20 |
| NCT06260722Effect of Retatrutide Compared With Semaglutide in Adult Participants With Type 2 Diabetes and Inadequate Glycemic Control With Metformin With or Without SGLT2 Inhibitor (TRANSCEND-T2D-2) | Phase 3 | Active Not Recruiting | Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 | Eli Lilly and Company | 2026-09-28 |
| NCT06383390The Effect of Retatrutide Once Weekly on Cardiovascular Outcomes and Kidney Outcomes in Adults Living With Obesity (TRIUMPH-Outcomes) | Phase 3 | Active Not Recruiting | Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD), Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) | Eli Lilly and Company | 2026-09-24 |
Explore all clinical trial records35 records already present in this HTML
| NCT ID / study | Phase | Status | Context | Sponsor | Last registry update |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCT05929066A Study of Retatrutide (LY3437943) in Participants Who Have Obesity or Overweight | Phase 3 | Completed | Obesity, Overweight, Osteoarthritis, Knee, Obstructive Sleep Apnea | Eli Lilly and Company | 2026-08-21 |
| NCT05929079A Study of Retatrutide (LY3437943) in Participants With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Who Have Obesity or Overweight | Phase 3 | Completed | Type 2 Diabetes, Obesity, Overweight, Obstructive Sleep Apnea | Eli Lilly and Company | 2026-07-30 |
| NCT06354660Effect of Retatrutide Compared With Placebo in Adult Participants With Type 2 Diabetes and Inadequate Glycemic Control With Diet and Exercise Alone (TRANSCEND-T2D-1) | Phase 3 | Completed | Diabetes Type 2 | Eli Lilly and Company | 2026-03-05 |
| NCT06662383A Study of Retatrutide (LY3437943) Compared to Tirzepatide (LY3298176) in Adults Who Have Obesity | Phase 3 | Active Not Recruiting | Obesity | Eli Lilly and Company | 2026-07-20 |
| NCT06260722Effect of Retatrutide Compared With Semaglutide in Adult Participants With Type 2 Diabetes and Inadequate Glycemic Control With Metformin With or Without SGLT2 Inhibitor (TRANSCEND-T2D-2) | Phase 3 | Active Not Recruiting | Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 | Eli Lilly and Company | 2026-09-28 |
| NCT06383390The Effect of Retatrutide Once Weekly on Cardiovascular Outcomes and Kidney Outcomes in Adults Living With Obesity (TRIUMPH-Outcomes) | Phase 3 | Active Not Recruiting | Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD), Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) | Eli Lilly and Company | 2026-09-24 |
| NCT05882045A Study of Retatrutide (LY3437943) in Participants With Obesity and Cardiovascular Disease | Phase 3 | Completed | Obesity, Cardiovascular Diseases | Eli Lilly and Company | 2026-07-30 |
| NCT05936151A Study of Retatrutide (LY3437943) on Renal Function in Participants With Overweight or Obesity and Chronic Kidney Disease With or Without Type 2 Diabetes | Phase 2 | Completed | Overweight or Obesity, CKD, Type 2 Diabetes | Eli Lilly and Company | 2025-11-25 |
| NCT04881760A Study of LY3437943 in Participants Who Have Obesity or Are Overweight | Phase 2 | Completed | Obesity, Overweight | Eli Lilly and Company | 2023-09-13 |
| NCT04867785A Study of LY3437943 in Participants With Type 2 Diabetes | Phase 2 | Completed | Type 2 Diabetes | Eli Lilly and Company | 2023-07-03 |
| NCT05611957A Study of LY3437943 in Healthy Participants and Participants With Impaired Renal Function | Phase 1 | Completed | Healthy, Renal Insufficiency | Eli Lilly and Company | 2023-10-02 |
| NCT05548231A Study of LY3437943 in Chinese Participants With Obesity Or Overweight | Phase 1 | Completed | Overweight, Obesity | Eli Lilly and Company | 2023-08-14 |
| NCT04823208A Study of LY3437943 in Japanese Participants With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) | Phase 1 | Completed | Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 | Eli Lilly and Company | 2022-08-22 |
| NCT05916560A Study of LY3437943 in Participants With Impaired and Normal Liver Function | Phase 1 | Completed | Healthy, Hepatic Insufficiency | Eli Lilly and Company | 2025-04-18 |
| NCT06039826A Study of LY3437943 in Postmenopausal Female Participants Who Are Overweight or Obese | Phase 1 | Completed | Overweight | Eli Lilly and Company | 2024-07-26 |
| NCT04143802A Study of LY3437943 in Participants With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) | Phase 1 | Completed | Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 | Eli Lilly and Company | 2021-01-20 |
| NCT05959096A Study of LY3437943 in Healthy Participants With a High Body Mass Index | Phase 1 | Completed | Healthy | Eli Lilly and Company | 2024-10-01 |
| NCT05931367A Study of Retatrutide (LY3437943) Once Weekly in Participants Who Have Obesity or Overweight and Osteoarthritis of the Knee | Phase 3 | Completed | Obesity, Overweight, Osteo Arthritis Knee | Eli Lilly and Company | 2026-01-21 |
| NCT07035093A Study of Retatrutide (LY3437943) in Participants Who Have Obesity or Overweight and Chronic Low Back Pain | Phase 3 | Active Not Recruiting | Obesity, Overweight, Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP) | Eli Lilly and Company | 2026-09-25 |
| NCT07357415A Study of Retatrutide (LY3437943) in Participants Without Type 2 Diabetes Who Have Obesity or Overweight | Phase 3 | Active Not Recruiting | Obesity, Overweight | Eli Lilly and Company | 2026-06-09 |
| NCT06859268A Study of Retatrutide (LY3437943) in the Maintenance of Weight Reduction in Individuals With Obesity | Phase 3 | Active Not Recruiting | Obesity | Eli Lilly and Company | 2026-03-03 |
| NCT06313528A Study to Measure Calorie Consumption and Usage in Participants With Obesity Using LY3437943 | Phase 1 | Completed | Obesity | Eli Lilly and Company | 2025-09-23 |
| NCT06982846A Study to Investigate the Response of Participants With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus on Once-Weekly Retatrutide to Hypoglycemia | Phase 1 | Completed | Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus | Eli Lilly and Company | 2026-06-18 |
| NCT03841630A Safety Study of LY3437943 Given as a Single Injection in Healthy Participants | Phase 1 | Completed | Healthy | Eli Lilly and Company | 2019-08-06 |
| NCT06808802To Investigate the Effect of Retatrutide (LY3437943) on Metoprolol Pharmacokinetics in Healthy Participants | Phase 1 | Completed | Healthy | Eli Lilly and Company | 2025-06-05 |
| NCT05445232A Drug-Drug Interaction (DDI) Study of LY3437943 in Obese Participants | Phase 1 | Completed | Obesity | Eli Lilly and Company | 2023-04-18 |
| NCT06982859A Study to Evaluate the Effect of Retatrutide on Insulin Secretion and Insulin Sensitivity in Adult Participants With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus | Phase 1 | Active Not Recruiting | Diabetes Mellitus, Insulin Sensitivity | Eli Lilly and Company | 2026-07-16 |
| NCT07232719A Study of Retatrutide (LY3437943) in Participants With Obesity or Overweight | Phase 3 | Active Not Recruiting | Obesity, Overweight | Eli Lilly and Company | 2026-04-17 |
| NCT07165028A Master Protocol of Multiple Agents in Adults With Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (SYNERGY-Outcomes) | Phase 3 | Recruiting | Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease | Eli Lilly and Company | 2026-09-22 |
| NCT07467447Effect of LY3437943 Versus Placebo in Participants Who Have Obesity or Are Overweight | Phase 2 | Recruiting | Obesity | Hudson Biotech | 2026-03-12 |
| NCT06297603Effect of Retatrutide Compared With Placebo in Participants With Type 2 Diabetes and Moderate or Severe Renal Impairment, With Inadequate Glycemic Control on Basal Insulin, With or Without Metformin and/or SGLT2 Inhibitor (TRANSCEND-T2D-3) | Phase 3 | Active Not Recruiting | Type 2 Diabetes | Eli Lilly and Company | 2026-07-20 |
| NCT06003465A Research Study Looking at Similarity Between LY3437943 Versions for Different Injection Devices | Phase 1 | Completed | Healthy | Eli Lilly and Company | 2024-03-29 |
| NCT05757531A Study of Carbon-14-Labelled [14C] LY3437943 in Healthy Male Participants | Phase 1 | Completed | Healthy | Eli Lilly and Company | 2023-07-05 |
| NCT07226947Body Composition and Exercise to Prevent Muscle Loss With GLP1 Agonist Treatment | NA | Recruiting | Obesity, Body Composition | Massachusetts General Hospital | 2025-12-30 |
| NCT07629401Pre-approval Expanded Access of Retatrutide (LY3437943) | Not stated | Available | Obesity, Obesity-related Complications | Eli Lilly and Company | 2026-08-06 |
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov Retatrutide records · Retrieved 2026-10-06
Published Study OutcomesDesigns, endpoints, observations and limitations
Published Study Outcomes
Phase 2 obesity trial
- Design
- Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 48 weeks
- Sample
- 338 adults
- Primary endpoint
- Percent change in body weight at week 24
- Reported observation
- The publication reported dose-related changes versus placebo, with gastrointestinal events most common.
- Limitations
- Phase 2 design, selected eligibility criteria and sponsor-funded protocol limit broad generalization.
Phase 2 type 2 diabetes trial
- Design
- Randomized, double-blind, placebo and active controlled
- Sample
- 281 participants
- Primary endpoint
- HbA1c change at week 24
- Reported observation
- The study reported glycemic and body-weight changes across study groups.
- Limitations
- 36-week study and dose-group comparisons do not establish long-term outcomes.
Phase 2a MASLD substudy
- Design
- Randomized MRI liver-fat substudy
- Sample
- 98 participants
- Primary endpoint
- Relative liver-fat change at week 24
- Reported observation
- The paper reported liver-fat reductions across studied groups versus placebo.
- Limitations
- Small substudy; imaging endpoints do not establish clinical-event benefit.
Source: PubMed search results · Retrieved 2026-10-06
Identity, Chemistry & StorageCompound-form limits and handling basis
Identity & Chemistry
Verified chemical record
- Record form
- Retatrutide (sodium salt)
- PubChem CID
- 171934787
- Molecular formula
- C221H342N46O68
- Molecular weight
- 4731 g/mol
These fields belong specifically to the PubChem sodium-salt record. They must not be generalized to every Retatrutide form.
Storage & stability
No universal storage duration is asserted here. Storage depends on compound form, formulation, container and validated stability data. Follow the exact product documentation, COA/SDS and laboratory policy for the material being handled.
Basis: conservative laboratory handling statement; no product-specific stability study is claimed.
Source: PubChem CID 171934787
Research Tools for Retatrutide
These tools perform transparent laboratory math or filter the reviewed records already embedded in this profile.
Molecular weight: 4731 g/mol — PubChem sodium-salt record only.
Open full chemistry toolUse the filters in Clinical Development; all results link to their NCT record.
| Entity | Targets | Development | Regulatory context | Evidence note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retatrutide | GIP, GLP-1 and glucagon receptors | Phase 3 program; selected trials completed and others ongoing | Investigational; no FDA-approved retatrutide product identified in the reviewed FDA source | 35 ClinicalTrials.gov records in the synchronized query |
| Tirzepatide | GIP and GLP-1 receptors | Approved drug products exist for specific indications | Refer to current FDA product labeling | Head-to-head Retatrutide trial NCT06662383 has no result claim here |
| Semaglutide | GLP-1 receptor | Approved drug products exist for specific indications | Refer to current FDA product labeling | Head-to-head Retatrutide trial NCT06260722 has no result claim here |
Select a strength to show matching batch records.
Storage & Laboratory HandlingPPE, records and material controls
Laboratory Sample Handling
- Use appropriate PPE and a controlled work area.
- Avoid inhaling lyophilized powder or creating aerosols.
- Handle samples, solutions, contaminated materials and waste under the applicable SDS and laboratory policy.
- Record the exact material form, lot, concentration, date and storage condition.
Regulatory Status
United States · Verified 2026-10-06
FDA states that retatrutide cannot be used in compounding under federal law, is not a component of an FDA-approved drug, and has not been found safe and effective for any condition.
Read the current FDA noticeResearch TimelineDevelopment and evidence milestones
Research Timeline
Early clinical study record NCT04143802 began.
Phase 2 obesity and type 2 diabetes studies began.
Phase 2 clinical papers were indexed in PubMed; the TRIUMPH Phase 3 program expanded.
Phase 2a MASLD results and additional Phase 3 / outcomes trials entered the evidence map.
Selected Phase 3 registry records are completed and Phase 3 papers appear in PubMed; other major trials remain active.
Selected LiteratureEight reviewed records
Selected Literature
Retatrutide, a Triple Hormone Receptor Agonist, for Treatment of Obesity.
The New England journal of medicine · 2026
PMID 42814954Retatrutide in adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes (TRIUMPH-2): a double-blind, parallel-group, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial.
Lancet (London, England) · 2026
PMID 42810372Efficacy and safety of retatrutide, a GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptor agonist, in people with type 2 diabetes and inadequate glycaemic control with diet and exercise (TRANSCEND-T2D-1): a double-blind, randomised, phase 3 trial.
Lancet (London, England) · 2026
PMID 42250575Triple-Hormone-Receptor Agonist Retatrutide for Obesity - A Phase 2 Trial.
The New England journal of medicine · 2023
PMID 37366315Retatrutide, a GIP, GLP-1 and glucagon receptor agonist, for people with type 2 diabetes: a randomised, double-blind, placebo and active-controlled, parallel-group, phase 2 trial conducted in the USA.
Lancet (London, England) · 2023
PMID 37385280Triple hormone receptor agonist retatrutide for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: a randomized phase 2a trial.
Nature medicine · 2024
PMID 38858523Retatrutide for the treatment of obesity, obstructive sleep apnea and knee osteoarthritis: Rationale and design of the TRIUMPH registrational clinical trials.
Diabetes, obesity & metabolism · 2026
PMID 41090431Rationale, design and baseline characteristics of the TRANSCEND-CKD trial of retatrutide in patients with chronic kidney disease.
Nephrology, dialysis, transplantation : official publication of the European Dialysis and Transplant Association - European Renal Association · 2026
PMID 41160422Source: PubMed search results · Retrieved 2026-10-06
Frequently Asked QuestionsSix research and status questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is retatrutide?
Retatrutide, also called LY3437943, is an investigational synthetic peptide designed to activate GIP, GLP-1 and glucagon receptors. Clinical development includes Phase 3 studies, but research status does not mean an FDA-approved retatrutide product exists.
How does retatrutide work?
Retatrutide is described in peer-reviewed clinical papers as an agonist at the GIP, GLP-1 and glucagon receptors. The combined receptor activity is the mechanism under study; this page does not infer an individual treatment response.
What stage of clinical development is retatrutide in?
The synchronized ClinicalTrials.gov dataset contains Phase 3 records, including completed and active-not-recruiting studies. Each listed status is tied to the registry snapshot verified on October 6, 2026.
Is retatrutide FDA approved?
The reviewed FDA notice says retatrutide is not a component of an FDA-approved drug and has not been found safe and effective for any condition. The regulatory statement was verified on October 6, 2026.
How is retatrutide different from semaglutide and tirzepatide in research?
Their receptor targets differ: retatrutide is studied at GIP, GLP-1 and glucagon receptors; tirzepatide at GIP and GLP-1 receptors; semaglutide at GLP-1 receptors. Ongoing head-to-head trials do not justify outcome rankings before results are available.
How is this Research Profile updated?
Official registry, PubMed, PubChem and FDA records are saved as raw snapshots, normalized, manually reviewed and then published. Dates and source links remain visible so status changes can be rechecked.
Complete ReferencesReviewed records; source links consolidated by module
Complete References
- NCT05929066 — A Study of Retatrutide (LY3437943) in Participants Who Have Obesity or Overweight
- NCT05929079 — A Study of Retatrutide (LY3437943) in Participants With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Who Have Obesity or Overweight
- NCT06354660 — Effect of Retatrutide Compared With Placebo in Adult Participants With Type 2 Diabetes and Inadequate Glycemic Control With Diet and Exercise Alone (TRANSCEND-T2D-1)
- NCT06662383 — A Study of Retatrutide (LY3437943) Compared to Tirzepatide (LY3298176) in Adults Who Have Obesity
- NCT06260722 — Effect of Retatrutide Compared With Semaglutide in Adult Participants With Type 2 Diabetes and Inadequate Glycemic Control With Metformin With or Without SGLT2 Inhibitor (TRANSCEND-T2D-2)
- NCT06383390 — The Effect of Retatrutide Once Weekly on Cardiovascular Outcomes and Kidney Outcomes in Adults Living With Obesity (TRIUMPH-Outcomes)
- NCT05882045 — A Study of Retatrutide (LY3437943) in Participants With Obesity and Cardiovascular Disease
- NCT05936151 — A Study of Retatrutide (LY3437943) on Renal Function in Participants With Overweight or Obesity and Chronic Kidney Disease With or Without Type 2 Diabetes
- NCT04881760 — A Study of LY3437943 in Participants Who Have Obesity or Are Overweight
- NCT04867785 — A Study of LY3437943 in Participants With Type 2 Diabetes
- PMID 42814954 — Retatrutide, a Triple Hormone Receptor Agonist, for Treatment of Obesity.
- PMID 42810372 — Retatrutide in adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes (TRIUMPH-2): a double-blind, parallel-group, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial.
- PMID 42250575 — Efficacy and safety of retatrutide, a GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptor agonist, in people with type 2 diabetes and inadequate glycaemic control with diet and exercise (TRANSCEND-T2D-1): a double-blind, randomised, phase 3 trial.
- PMID 37366315 — Triple-Hormone-Receptor Agonist Retatrutide for Obesity - A Phase 2 Trial.
- PMID 37385280 — Retatrutide, a GIP, GLP-1 and glucagon receptor agonist, for people with type 2 diabetes: a randomised, double-blind, placebo and active-controlled, parallel-group, phase 2 trial conducted in the USA.
- PMID 38858523 — Triple hormone receptor agonist retatrutide for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: a randomized phase 2a trial.
- PMID 41090431 — Retatrutide for the treatment of obesity, obstructive sleep apnea and knee osteoarthritis: Rationale and design of the TRIUMPH registrational clinical trials.
- PMID 41160422 — Rationale, design and baseline characteristics of the TRANSCEND-CKD trial of retatrutide in patients with chronic kidney disease.
- PubChem CID 171934787 — Retatrutide (sodium salt)
- FDA — Concerns with unapproved GLP-1 drugs used for weight loss
Sources, Methodology & Last Verified
- Official sources
- ClinicalTrials.gov, NCBI PubMed, PubChem, FDA, and NOVABIO product and COA records.
- Inclusion
- Exact Retatrutide or LY3437943 identity; official registry or PubMed record; fields shown must be traceable to the synchronized source.
- Exclusion
- News, supplier blogs, community posts, duplicate records and claims not tied to a reviewed source.
- Data version
- 2026-10-06.1
- Last verified
- October 6, 2026
- Prepared by
- NOVABIO Research
- Reviewed date
- October 6, 2026
- Corrections
- Contact NOVABIO with the page URL and source record.
- Editorial methodology
- Source selection, inclusion, exclusion and verification details on this page.
- PubMed query snapshot
- retatrutide OR LY3437943 returned 200 records; retrieved 2026-10-06T11:16:25Z. The query link is provided once in Evidence at a Glance.