Retatrutide Triple Agonist (Investigational)

An independent educational overview of retatrutide — an investigational GLP-1/GIP/glucagon triple agonist that is not FDA-approved. A Phase 2 trial reported about 24% average weight loss. These are trial observations, not results we offer, and retatrutide is not available as an approved prescription.

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What Is Retatrutide (GLP-3)?

Retatrutide (LY3437943) is an investigational triple GLP-1/GIP/glucagon receptor agonist developed by Eli Lilly — designed to target all three of these metabolic hormone receptors at once. It is informally called "GLP-3" because it adds a third receptor to the dual-agonist approach of tirzepatide. Retatrutide is investigational and not FDA-approved.

The triple mechanism, as described in the research literature, works on three fronts. The GLP-1 component reduces appetite and slows gastric emptying. The GIP component influences insulin secretion and fat metabolism. The glucagon component — the distinguishing addition — is associated with increased energy expenditure and hepatic fat oxidation in trials.

In the Phase 2 clinical trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine (2023), participants receiving the highest dose of retatrutide reported an average body-weight reduction of about 24% at 48 weeks. These figures describe what researchers observed in that trial — not results GLP3 Weight Loss offers, promises, or provides.

Important: Retatrutide remains in clinical trials and is not approved by the U.S. FDA. It is not available as an approved prescription medication. GLP3 Weight Loss is an educational resource and does not provide, prescribe, dispense, or arrange access to retatrutide. For FDA-approved options, read about semaglutide and tirzepatide, and speak with an independent licensed provider.

How Retatrutide Works (As Studied)

A triple-receptor mechanism described in the research literature.

01

GLP-1 Activity

Reduces appetite and slows gastric emptying — the same axis targeted by semaglutide.

02

GIP Activity

Influences insulin secretion and fat metabolism — the second axis added by tirzepatide.

03

Glucagon Activity

The distinguishing third axis, associated in trials with increased energy expenditure and liver-fat oxidation. Retatrutide remains investigational.

What the Phase 2 Trial Reported

The figures below describe what researchers observed in the published Phase 2 trial — not results we offer, promise, or provide. Retatrutide is investigational and not FDA-approved.

~24%
Avg. Weight Loss Reported
Phase 2, NEJM 2023
48
Weeks at Highest Dose
Phase 2 trial duration
3
Receptor Targets
GLP-1, GIP, glucagon
Not FDA-approved
Regulatory Status
Investigational; in trials

Retatrutide — Key Facts

  • Drug class — investigational GLP-1/GIP/glucagon triple receptor agonist
  • Regulatory statusNOT FDA-approved; remains in clinical trials
  • Mechanism — targets three metabolic hormone receptors simultaneously
  • Key data — Phase 2 trial (NEJM 2023) reported ~24% average weight loss at 48 weeks at the highest dose
  • Availability — not available as an approved prescription medication
  • GLP3 Weight Loss role — education only; we do not provide, prescribe, dispense, or arrange access to retatrutide

Where Retatrutide Fits

Retatrutide is the most-studied triple agonist in the weight-management research pipeline, and the Phase 2 results drew significant attention. Because it is investigational and not FDA-approved, it is not something you can be prescribed today as an approved therapy.

People interested in the science of triple agonism often want to understand how it compares to approved options. The FDA-approved medications in this space are semaglutide (GLP-1) and tirzepatide (GLP-1/GIP). A licensed provider can discuss those approved options and any investigational developments.

This page is educational and is not medical advice. GLP3 Weight Loss is not a clinic, pharmacy, or telehealth provider, and does not offer or arrange retatrutide.

Explore the Other Classes

GLP-1 Agonist
Semaglutide
FDA-approved · ~15% reported in trials
Learn More
Dual Agonist
Tirzepatide
FDA-approved · ~21% reported in trials
Learn More

Retatrutide FAQ

Retatrutide is an investigational triple agonist targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors. Semaglutide acts on one receptor and tirzepatide on two; retatrutide adds the glucagon receptor, which is associated with increased energy expenditure in trials. Retatrutide is investigational and not FDA-approved. This is general education, not medical advice.
No. Retatrutide is investigational and not FDA-approved. It is not available as an approved prescription medication and remains in clinical trials. GLP3 Weight Loss does not provide, prescribe, dispense, or arrange access to retatrutide.
These figures describe what researchers observed in a published Phase 2 trial, not results we offer or promise. The Phase 2 trial (NEJM 2023) reported an average body-weight reduction of about 24% at 48 weeks at the highest dose. Because retatrutide is investigational, no outcome is guaranteed.
Because retatrutide is investigational, the appropriate path is to discuss it with an independent licensed provider, who can also advise on FDA-approved options like semaglutide or tirzepatide. GLP3 Weight Loss provides education only.

Talk to a Licensed Provider

Retatrutide is investigational and not available as an approved prescription. A licensed provider can discuss FDA-approved options and any investigational developments. GLP3 Weight Loss is an educational resource and can help you find one.

Find a Licensed Provider →

Provider referral only · GLP3 Weight Loss is not a clinic, pharmacy, or telehealth provider

Medical References

Content on this page is informational only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your individual condition. Key sources:

  1. NEJM: Triple–Hormone-Receptor Agonist Retatrutide for Obesity (Phase 2)
  2. NIH / NIDDK: Treatment for Overweight & Obesity
  3. FDA Drug Approval Process — Investigational New Drug applications