Retatrutide: Research on a Triple GLP-1/GIP/Glucagon Agonist

Retatrutide pushes the incretin approach one step past dual agonists. It acts on three receptors: GLP-1, GIP, and the glucagon receptor. The glucagon part is the new idea, since glucagon signaling is linked to energy expenditure. Human research exists, and this summary reports it for education only. Research-grade material is for laboratory Research Use Only.

Three receptors in one molecule

Pharmacology research introduced the compound as a new agonist of the GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors, studied for metabolic endpoints (Coskun et al., Cell Metab, 2022). [1] The glucagon activity is what separates it from dual agonists such as tirzepatide.

Clinical research

A phase 2 trial looked at retatrutide's effect on body weight in people with obesity (Jastreboff et al., N Engl J Med, 2023). [2] Reviews have started placing it within a larger pipeline of newer metabolic compounds (Melson et al., Int J Obes, 2024). [3]

Note: Retatrutide is investigational and is not an approved medicine. Trial data do not permit any human use. Research-grade material is for laboratory Research Use Only and is not for human or veterinary use.

FAQ

What separates retatrutide from tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide acts on GIP and GLP-1 receptors. Retatrutide adds a third target, the glucagon receptor, so the literature calls it a triple-receptor agonist.

References

1. Coskun et al. — LY3437943, triple GLP-1/GIP/glucagon agonist (Cell Metab, 2022)
2. Jastreboff et al. — retatrutide phase-2 obesity trial (NEJM, 2023)
3. Melson et al. — pipeline of future obesity medications (Int J Obes, 2024)
4. Tirzepatide guide (dual-receptor agonist)