Evidence-Based Medical Reference

The Definitive
Retatrutide Resource

Plain-English answers about LY3437943 — the first triple GIP/GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist. Phase 3 trial results, how it works, side effects, and the latest 2026 research.

Independent and peer-reviewed. Also covers how the drug compares to Wegovy, Zepbound, CagriSema, and Foundayo. No product sales.

Diagram of LY3437943 connecting to three metabolic receptors: GIP (insulin secretion), GLP-1 (appetite suppression), and glucagon (energy expenditure)
Evidence-based Peer-reviewed sources No product sales Regularly updated Editorially independent

Phase 3 in 2026 at a Glance

All trials
Bar chart comparing Phase 3 mean weight loss: TRIUMPH-4 -28.7%, TRIUMPH-1 -28.3%, CagriSema REDEFINE-1 -22.7%, tirzepatide SURMOUNT-1 -22.5%, survodutide SYNCHRONIZE-1 -16.6%, semaglutide STEP 1 -14.9%, orforglipron ATTAIN-1 -12.4%

Mean percent body weight reduction at the highest tested dose, efficacy estimand. Cross-trial comparison only — no head-to-head data are available between retatrutide and other agents.

Presented at ADA 2026 · June 6

TRIUMPH-1: 28.3% mean weight loss in 2,339 adults

Full TRIUMPH-1 data were presented at the American Diabetes Association 2026 Scientific Sessions, alongside the companion diabetes trial TRANSCEND-T2D-1, which was published the same day in The Lancet. Beyond the 28.3% mean weight loss at 12 mg, the nested comorbidity groups showed benefits well beyond the scale.

  • 45.3% of 12 mg participants lost at least 30% of body weight
  • 65.3% ended the trial with a BMI below 30
  • -30.3% at 104 weeks in the BMI ≥35 subgroup
  • -73.1% knee-pain and -60.6% sleep-apnea reductions (nested baskets)

Latest from the Blog

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analysis

What Is MASH? Retatrutide's Liver-Disease Program Explained

How retatrutide targets MASH liver disease: the glucagon-driven liver-fat effect, plus what the SYNERGY-OUTCOMES and MACELD Phase 3 trials aim to prove.

| 6 min
analysis

How Was Retatrutide Discovered? The Triple-Agonist Story

Retatrutide was built by adding glucagon action to the GIP/GLP-1 backbone behind tirzepatide. Inside the discovery science of the first triple agonist.

| 7 min
analysis

How Fast Does Retatrutide Work? A Week-by-Week Timeline

A week-by-week and month-by-month look at retatrutide's trial-measured weight loss, mapped to the 2 mg-to-12 mg dose-escalation schedule.

| 6 min
analysis

When Was Retatrutide Created? Timeline 2016 to 2026

Retatrutide entered human trials in 2019, about 7 years ago. A year-by-year timeline from its 2016 design to 2026 Phase 3 data — still investigational.

| 6 min
conference-coverage

Retatrutide at ADA 2026: TRIUMPH-1 and TRANSCEND-T2D-1 Deliver — and Get Published in The Lancet

At the ADA 2026 Scientific Sessions (June 6), retatrutide's pivotal TRIUMPH-1 obesity and TRANSCEND-T2D-1 diabetes results were presented in full — with TRANSCEND-T2D-1 published simultaneously in The Lancet. Beyond weight loss, nested baskets showed 73.1% knee-pain and 60.6% sleep-apnea reductions.

| 7 min
news

TRIUMPH-1 Phase 3 Results: Retatrutide Delivers 28.3% Weight Loss in 2,339-Patient Obesity Trial

Eli Lilly's pivotal TRIUMPH-1 Phase 3 trial of retatrutide (May 21, 2026) reported 28.3% mean weight loss at 12 mg over 80 weeks, with 45.3% of participants losing 30%+ of body weight. Full results, safety profile, and what it means for the regulatory timeline.

| 7 min

Frequently Asked Questions

View all FAQ
What is retatrutide?
Retatrutide (LY3437943) is an investigational medication developed by Eli Lilly and Company. It is a single peptide molecule that simultaneously activates three metabolic hormone receptors: GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide), GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), and glucagon receptors. This triple receptor agonism is a novel approach designed to address obesity and type 2 diabetes through complementary metabolic pathways.
What does 'triple agonist' mean?
A triple agonist is a single molecule that activates three different receptor types. Retatrutide activates GIP receptors, GLP-1 receptors, and glucagon receptors. Each receptor triggers different biological effects, and their simultaneous activation produces complementary metabolic benefits that are hypothesized to be greater than any single receptor pathway alone.
What clinical trials have been completed for retatrutide?
As of May 2026, retatrutide has completed Phase 1, Phase 2, and three Phase 3 trials with positive topline results: TRIUMPH-4 (obesity + knee osteoarthritis, December 2025, -28.7% at 12 mg/68 weeks), TRANSCEND-T2D-1 (type 2 diabetes, reported March 19, 2026 via Eli Lilly press release, HbA1c -1.7 to -2.0 percentage points and weight -11.5 to -16.8%), and TRIUMPH-1 (the pivotal obesity trial, May 21, 2026, -28.3% at 12 mg/80 weeks in 2,339 adults without diabetes, with 45.3% achieving ≥30% weight loss). The Phase 2 program included a 48-week obesity trial (NCT04881706, NEJM 2023) and a 36-week type 2 diabetes trial (NCT04867785, Lancet 2023). TRIUMPH-2 (obesity + T2D) and TRIUMPH-3 (obesity + CVD) are expected to report in the second half of 2026.
What are the most common side effects of retatrutide?
In Phase 2 clinical trials, the most commonly reported side effects were gastrointestinal in nature: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and decreased appetite. These effects are consistent with the known pharmacology of GLP-1 receptor agonists and were predominantly mild to moderate in severity. Most GI events occurred during the dose-escalation period and diminished over time as participants adapted to the medication.
When will retatrutide be available?
Retatrutide is not currently available for prescription or purchase. It is in Phase 3 clinical development. Eli Lilly indicated during its Q4 2025 earnings call (February 4, 2026) that NDA filing is expected in late 2026. Based on this guidance, FDA approval could come as early as mid-2027 (if Priority Review is granted) or late 2027 to early 2028 under standard review. These are estimates and are subject to change based on trial outcomes and regulatory processes.