Retatrutide, developed by Eli Lilly and Company, is an experimental peptide-based drug designed to address obesity and type 2 diabetes. It functions as a triple receptor agonist, simultaneously activating the glucagon (GCGR), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors. This unique mechanism aims to enhance insulin secretion, regulate appetite, and increase energy expenditure, offering a comprehensive approach to metabolic health.
In clinical studies, retatrutide has demonstrated significant efficacy in promoting weight loss. A phase 2 trial reported that participants experienced up to a 17.5% mean reduction in body weight over 24 weeks. Beyond weight loss, retatrutide has shown potential benefits in improving lipid profiles, including reductions in triglycerides and apoC-III protein levels, which are associated with cardiovascular health.
However, retatrutide is still undergoing clinical trials and has not received regulatory approval for general use. Its safety profile is still being evaluated, with common side effects observed in studies including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation. These effects are typically most pronounced at the beginning of treatment and may diminish over time
It’s important to note that retatrutide is currently available only through clinical trials and is not approved for public use. Unauthorized sale or use of retatrutide poses significant health risks. Investigations have uncovered instances of unapproved versions being sold online, highlighting the potential dangers of obtaining and administering the drug outside of controlled medical settings.In summary, retatrutide represents a promising advancement in peptide science, offering a novel approach to managing obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, its use should be confined to clinical research settings until comprehensive safety and efficacy data are available.
