The experimental drug retatrutide, developed by Eli Lilly, has shown promising results in weight loss in two new studies. This drug has particularly demonstrated positive effects in individuals who are overweight or obese, as well as those with type 2 diabetes.
Effects of Retatrutide
A study published in the journal "Lancet" and presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes conference shows that individuals who took the highest dose of retatrutide lost about 18.8% of their body weight. In contrast, those who received a placebo lost only 5.1%. Nearly one-third of those who took the highest dose lost at least 25% of their body weight, while this figure was only 3% for the placebo group.
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Dr. Juan Pablo Frias, medical director at the Los Angeles Metabolic Research Institute and one of the authors of the Lancet study, says: "This drug is the most potent medication to date showing the highest percentage of weight loss in individuals with type 2 diabetes with a pharmacological agent."
Improvement in Diabetes Control and Other Benefits
The study also observed improvements in diabetes control among participants. Of those who took the highest dose, 63% were able to reduce their A1C (a marker for blood sugar control) to below 6.5%, indicating better diabetes management while also losing at least 10% of their body weight.
In another study published in the "New England Journal of Medicine," researchers found similar results in overweight or obese individuals who did not have diabetes. In this study, those who took the highest dose of retatrutide lost nearly 25% of their initial weight, while only 3.9% of those who took the placebo achieved the same result.
Participants receiving this drug were also studied for other benefits. Individuals with knee osteoarthritis reported less pain compared to those who took the placebo. Additionally, individuals with obstructive sleep apnea experienced fewer apnea attacks than those who took the placebo.
Mechanism of Action of Retatrutide
Retatrutide targets three hormones related to weight: GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon. Since each of these hormones has specific receptors in the body and brain, targeting all three may contribute to stronger effects on weight loss in individuals with diabetes compared to drugs that only target GLP-1. Medications like Ozempic and Wegovy (semaglutide) only target GLP-1, while drugs like Mounjaro and Zepbound (tirzepatide) target both GLP-1 and GIP.
Eli Lilly has announced plans to submit a request for approval of retatrutide to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in early 2027.
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