Metabolic & Weight-Loss Research · Investigational Compound
Retatrutide
An investigational triple-receptor agonist (GLP-1/GIP/glucagon) studied in weight-loss (obesity), receptor-pharmacology, and metabolic mechanism research.
Retatrutide (development code LY3437943) is an investigational single-molecule peptide engineered to activate three receptors simultaneously: GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon. This “triple agonist” design distinguishes it from earlier single- and dual-agonist compounds and has made it one of the most closely watched molecules in metabolic and weight-loss (obesity) research.
Retatrutide is an investigational compound in clinical development; it is not an approved drug. All information here reflects published trial and preclinical research and is provided for educational, research-use-only purposes. It is not for human consumption.
Research areas
Triple-Receptor Mechanism
Engineered from a GIP backbone to co-activate GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors — a mechanism unique among incretin compounds in development.
Metabolic Mechanism Research
Clinical research has characterized its effects on metabolic markers in controlled trial settings.
Glucagon-Receptor Activation
The glucagon component is studied for its proposed effect on energy expenditure, differentiating it from dual agonists.
Comparative Research
Frequently compared against dual agonists and single GLP-1 agonists in the research literature.
Recent research findings
- 2025Later-stage trial data continued to characterize the triple-agonist class, drawing significant research attention to its receptor pharmacology.
- 2023Jastreboff et al. published Phase 2 results in the New England Journal of Medicine characterizing dose-dependent effects.
- 2022Early-phase pharmacology established the triple-receptor activity profile.
Published Research & Citations
The research summarized above is drawn from published, peer-reviewed studies. Explore the 6 sources below — links open the abstract or, where marked, the full free article on the U.S. National Library of Medicine (PubMed / PMC).
- Jastreboff AM, et al. Triple-Hormone-Receptor Agonist Retatrutide for Obesity - A Phase 2 Trial. New England Journal of Medicine, 2023. Phase 2 obesity trial reporting substantial dose-dependent weight reduction.
- Coskun T, et al. LY3437943, a novel triple glucagon, GIP, and GLP-1 receptor agonist for glycemic control and weight loss: from discovery to clinical proof of concept. Cell Metabolism, 2022. Discovery paper characterizing the triple-receptor mechanism in preclinical and early human work.
- Rosenstock J, et al. Retatrutide, a GIP, GLP-1 and glucagon receptor agonist, for people with type 2 diabetes: a phase 2 trial. The Lancet, 2023. Phase 2 trial in type 2 diabetes showing glycemic control and weight reduction.
- Sanyal AJ, et al. Triple hormone receptor agonist retatrutide for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. Nature Medicine, 2024. Phase 2 sub-study reporting reductions in liver fat content.
- Retatrutide - A Game Changer in Obesity Pharmacotherapy. Biomolecules, 2025. Free full text Recent open-access review summarizing retatrutide's mechanism and clinical trial data.
- The power of three: retatrutide's role in modern obesity and diabetes therapy. European Journal of Pharmacology, 2024. Review of the triple-agonist approach relative to single and dual incretin agents.