an experimental drug being developed by Eli Lilly for the treatment of obesity and related metabolic conditions. Unlike other weight-loss medications that target one or two hormone receptors, retatrutide is a "triple agonist" that targets three different receptors, which may lead to more significant weight loss and broader health benefits. It is not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
How Retatrutide works
Retatrutide is a peptide-based medication that mimics three naturally occurring hormones that play a key role in regulating appetite, blood sugar, and metabolism. The drug is delivered via a once-weekly injection.
The three receptors it acts on are:
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1):Mimics this gut hormone to slow digestion, which helps you feel fuller longer and reduces appetite.
GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide):Supports insulin release after eating and helps regulate blood sugar.
Glucagon:Promotes the breakdown of stored fat for energy, which helps boost your metabolism.
Potential benefits of Retatrutide
Based on early clinical trials, retatrutide has shown impressive results that may set it apart from other weight-loss drugs.
Significant weight loss
Greater results:In a Phase 2 trial, participants with obesity lost an average of 24.2% of their body weight over 48 weeks with the highest dose. This surpasses the results seen with other weight-loss medications, such as semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro).
Targeted fat loss:By activating the glucagon receptor, retatrutide specifically increases fat burning, while also helping to preserve lean muscle mass.
Metabolic health improvements
Improved blood sugar:Retatrutide helps regulate blood sugar levels, with nearly three-quarters of participants with prediabetes in one study returning to a normal blood sugar range.
Better cardiovascular health:Clinical data has shown improvements in metabolic markers like blood pressure, cholesterol, and lipid levels.
Reduced fatty liver disease:In studies, retatrutide has been shown to significantly reduce liver fat in patients with obesity.
Potential for broader use
Addresses metabolic plateaus:For patients who have tried other weight-loss medications and hit a plateau, retatrutide's triple-action mechanism may offer a more comprehensive approach.
Potential for fewer side effects:Some early data suggests that retatrutide may cause less severe gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, compared to other GLP-1 medications, which could improve adherence.
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