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Metabolic ResearchTier 1 — Human RCT (Phase 2)
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Tier 1 — Human RCT (Phase 2)

Retatrutide

GLP-3 R / GLP-3 RT: Phase 3 Results, Approval Status & Verified Vendor Prices

Retatrutide (LY3437943) — GIP/GLP-1/Glucagon Triple Agonist

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

Clinical Trials
Research Purposes Only. Retatrutide is sold by research vendors strictly for qualified laboratory research use only. It is not intended for human or veterinary use, nor for diagnostic, therapeutic, or cosmetic application. Statements on this page have not been evaluated by the FDA.
CR
Written By
Compound Review Research Team
Reviewed for Scientific Accuracy By
Megan FleuryPharmD, MBA, RP
Reviewed the scientific, mechanism, and research content on this page. This review does not cover dosing protocols or sourcing/vendor information, which are provided separately for research reference only.
Reviewed: 9 October 2026
All content is reviewed for scientific accuracy against peer-reviewed literature. View our editorial methodology.
So What Does This Actually Mean?
Plain English summary — no PhD required

GLP-3 R (Retatrutide) is one of the newest and most discussed compounds in metabolic research. It's a triple-receptor agonist — meaning it activates three different hormone receptors simultaneously: GLP-1R, GIP-R, and glucagon receptor. This triple action is what makes it particularly interesting compared to existing GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, which only target one receptor.

What It Does

By hitting all three receptors at once, Retatrutide combines the appetite-suppressing, insulin-stimulating effects of GLP-1 with the additional metabolic benefits of GIP (which enhances insulin secretion and may improve GLP-1 receptor sensitivity) and glucagon (which increases energy expenditure and fat burning). In Phase 2 clinical trials published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2023, Retatrutide produced weight loss of up to 24.2% of body weight over 48 weeks — the highest ever reported for a pharmacological agent in a clinical trial.

Why It Matters

The 24% weight loss figure from the Phase 2 trial is genuinely unprecedented in pharmacology. For context, semaglutide (Wegovy) produces about 15% weight loss, and tirzepatide about 20%. Retatrutide's triple-receptor mechanism may represent the next generation of metabolic therapeutics. It's currently in Phase 3 trials, meaning it could reach clinical approval within the next few years.

The Bottom Line

Retatrutide is arguably the most scientifically exciting compound in this entire catalog right now. Its Phase 2 NEJM data showing 24% weight loss is unprecedented, and its triple-receptor mechanism is at the cutting edge of metabolic research. It is an investigational compound with no current regulatory approval, supplied for laboratory research use only.

Overview

What is Retatrutide?

Retatrutide (LY3437943, GLP-3 R) is a novel triple agonist developed by Eli Lilly that simultaneously activates three incretin and metabolic hormone receptors: the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR), the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R), and the glucagon receptor (GCGR). This triple agonism represents the next generation of metabolic peptide therapeutics, building on the success of GLP-1 agonists (semaglutide) and dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists (tirzepatide).

Phase II clinical trial data published in the New England Journal of Medicine (2023) demonstrated that retatrutide produced up to 24.2% mean body weight reduction at 48 weeks — the largest weight loss observed for any pharmacological agent in a clinical trial to date, surpassing even tirzepatide's results.

Key Takeaways
  • Retatrutide (LY3437943) is a triple agonist simultaneously activating GLP-1R (appetite suppression, insulin secretion), GIPR (enhanced insulin sensitivity), and GCGR (thermogenesis, hepatic fat oxidation).
  • Phase 2 NEJM trial (Jastreboff et al., 2023) demonstrated 24.2% mean body weight reduction at 48 weeks — the largest weight loss reported for any pharmacological agent in a randomized controlled trial.
  • GCGR agonism is the distinguishing feature vs tirzepatide (GLP-1R/GIPR dual agonist): glucagon receptor activation increases brown adipose thermogenesis and hepatic fatty acid oxidation.
  • Currently in Phase 3 TRIUMPH trials (obesity, T2D, cardiovascular outcomes); no regulatory approval in any jurisdiction as of 2026.
  • For comparison: semaglutide 2.4 mg (STEP-1) = 14.9% weight loss; tirzepatide 15 mg (SURMOUNT-1) = 22.5%; retatrutide 12 mg (Phase 2) = 24.2%.
Composition

Molecular Composition

Amino Acid Sequence
Tyr-Aib-Gln-Gly-Thr-Phe-Thr-Ser-Asp-Tyr-Ser-Ile-Aib-Leu-Asp-Lys-Lys(C20 diacid via linker)-Ala-Gln-Ala-Ala-Phe-Ile-Glu-Tyr-Leu-Leu-Glu-Gly-Gly-Pro-Ser-Ser-Gly-Ala-Pro-Pro-Pro-Ser-NH2 (39 AA, lipidated)

Retatrutide is a 37-amino-acid peptide with a fatty acid modification that enables once-weekly subcutaneous dosing through albumin binding. The sequence is based on a glucagon backbone with modifications that enable simultaneous engagement of GIPR, GLP-1R, and GCGR. The molecular weight is 4,731.33 Daltons.

The triple receptor agonism is achieved through careful sequence engineering: the N-terminal region is optimized for GLP-1R and GCGR engagement, while specific residues in the mid-sequence region enable GIPR activation. The fatty acid modification (C18 fatty diacid) enables albumin binding for extended half-life.

Mechanism of Action

How Does It Work?

!

Retatrutide drives the most potent weight loss observed in clinical trials by activating three receptors — GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon — simultaneously.

Retatrutide's mechanism of action involves simultaneous activation of three receptors with complementary metabolic effects. GLP-1R activation provides glucose-dependent insulin secretion, glucagon suppression, gastric emptying delay, and central appetite suppression. GIPR activation enhances insulin secretion and may contribute to the superior weight loss observed with dual/triple agonists compared to GLP-1R agonists alone.

GCGR activation is the distinguishing feature of retatrutide: glucagon receptor stimulation increases hepatic glucose production (which is counterbalanced by the GLP-1R-mediated insulin secretion), but more importantly, it increases energy expenditure through thermogenic effects in brown adipose tissue and hepatic fatty acid oxidation. This energy expenditure-increasing component may explain the superior weight loss efficacy of retatrutide compared to GLP-1/GIP dual agonists.

Retatrutide mechanism of action diagram — step-by-step signaling pathway infographic
Retatrutide Mechanism of Action — Simplified signaling pathway diagram. For research reference only.
"Retatrutide's multifaceted mechanism of action, engaging GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptors, offers a promising therapeutic avenue for significant weight reduction and metabolic improvement, with Phase II data suggesting efficacy exceeding any previously studied pharmacological agent." — Jastreboff et al., New England Journal of Medicine, 2023
Signaling Pathways

Key Research Pathways

GLP-1R Signaling

Glucose-dependent insulin secretion, glucagon suppression, gastric emptying delay, and central appetite suppression via hypothalamic GLP-1R.

GIPR Signaling

Enhances insulin secretion and may contribute to superior weight loss vs. GLP-1R agonists alone through complementary beta cell effects.

GCGR / Energy Expenditure

Glucagon receptor activation increases hepatic fatty acid oxidation and brown adipose thermogenesis, raising total energy expenditure.

Albumin Binding (Fatty Acid Modification)

C18 fatty diacid modification enables reversible albumin binding, extending half-life to support once-weekly dosing.

Research Highlights

Key Findings from the Literature

  • Up to 24.2% mean body weight reduction at 48 weeks in Phase II trial (Jastreboff et al., NEJM 2023)
  • Triple agonism: GIPR + GLP-1R + GCGR — broadest incretin receptor coverage of any approved/investigational agent
  • GCGR activation increases energy expenditure via brown adipose thermogenesis and hepatic FAO
  • Significant reductions in HbA1c and fasting glucose in subjects with type 2 diabetes
  • Once-weekly dosing enabled by C18 fatty diacid modification for albumin binding
  • Currently in Phase III clinical trials (TRIUMPH program) as of 2025
Outcome Matrix

Evidence by Claimed Outcome

Each outcome rated by the highest level of evidence available. Tiers follow our 5-tier methodology.

StrongModeratePreliminaryPreclinicalTheoretical
Weight reduction (≥20% body weight)
Moderate
2
Phase II trial (n=338): 24.2% mean weight loss at 48 weeks
Triple receptor agonism (GIP/GLP-1/GCG)
Moderate
3
Mechanism confirmed in Phase I/II; superior weight loss vs. dual agonists
Glycemic control
Moderate
2
Phase II data; not yet Phase III powered
Cardiovascular outcomes
Theoretical
0
Phase III trials not yet completed

Study counts reflect peer-reviewed publications in the evidence database below. "Theoretical" outcomes have mechanistic rationale only. Learn about our evidence tiers →

Evidence Database

Structured Evidence Table

1 cited study — model, sample size, outcome, and effect size from published literature.

Jastreboff AM, et al. (2023)
Triple–Hormone-Receptor Agonist Retatrutide for Obesity — A Phase 2 Trial
Phase II
Model
Human — Phase II RCT
Sample
n=338
Effect Size
24.2% weight loss vs. 2.1% placebo; statistically significant (p<0.001)
View on PubMed
Evidence levels:RCTPhase IIIPhase IIObservationalAnimalIn Vitro
Evidence table is for educational reference only. Most peptide research is preclinical. Human RCT data is limited for most compounds. All compounds are for research purposes only — not for human use.

How Long It Lasts & How It Works in the Body

Retatrutide — half-life, bioavailability, onset, and duration data

Subcutaneous (SC)
ParameterValueSource
Half-Life (t½)
~6 days (144 hours)
Range: 120–168 hours
Phase 2 data; enables once-weekly dosing
Clinical Trial Data
Time to Peak (Tmax)
~24–48 hours
Phase 2 pharmacokinetic data
Clinical Trial Data
Bioavailability (F)
~85% (estimated)
Based on Phase 2 data; not yet in prescribing information
Clinical Trial Data
Protein Binding
>99%
Fatty acid-mediated albumin binding
Clinical Trial Data
Onset of Action
1–2 weeks
Phase 2 NEJM data
—
Duration of Action
7 days per dose
—

Triple agonist (GLP-1/GIP/glucagon). Phase 2 data only as of 2025. PK profile similar to tirzepatide. Phase 3 TRIUMPH trials ongoing.

References:

• Jastreboff AM et al. NEJM 2023; 389:514-526 (TRIUMPH Phase 2)

Researcher Notes

Important Research Context

Status as of 9 October 2026: all four Phase 3 TRIUMPH trials have reported positive results and Lilly plans to file a Biologics License Application with the FDA in Q1 2027. Retatrutide is not approved for any indication and no application has been filed. "GLP-3 R" (also GLP-3 RT, RETA) is the name research-chemical vendors use for a product labelled retatrutide, sold for laboratory use only; it is not Lilly's drug and the trial results below describe Lilly's investigational product, not any vial sold under this name. Phase 2 (Jastreboff et al., NEJM 2023, n=338): 12 mg −17.5% at 24 weeks and −24.2% at 48 weeks vs −2.1% placebo. Phase 3 TRIUMPH-1 (NCT05929066, n=2,339, topline 21 May 2026, published in NEJM): −28.3% at 80 weeks on 12 mg, −25.9% on 9 mg, −19.0% on 4 mg vs −2.2% placebo; 45.3% of the 12 mg arm lost ≥30%; discontinuation for adverse events 11.3% on 12 mg vs 4.9% placebo. TRIUMPH-2 (obesity with type 2 diabetes, 23 Jul 2026; full data at EASD 30 Sep 2026): up to −20.8%, A1C down up to 1.6 points. TRIUMPH-3 (BMI ≥35 with cardiovascular disease, 23 Jul 2026): up to −22.6%, pre-specified MACE-5 hazard ratio 0.82. TRIUMPH-4 (obesity with knee osteoarthritis, Dec 2025): −28.7% at 68 weeks.

Research References

Peer-reviewed literature supporting the research profile of Retatrutide

The following peer-reviewed studies form the primary evidence base for Retatrutide's research profile. All references are sourced from PubMed, NCBI, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Published research is available through PubMed, NCBI, and peer-reviewed biomedical journals.

  1. 1.

    Jastreboff AM, et al. Triple-Hormone-Receptor Agonist Retatrutide for Obesity — A Phase 2 Trial. New England Journal of Medicine. 2023.PMID: 37366315

    Retatrutide achieved up to 24.2% body weight reduction at 48 weeks — the highest reported for any pharmacological agent in Phase II.

  2. 2.

    Coskun T, et al. LY3437943, a novel triple GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptor agonist for glycemic control and weight loss. Cell Metabolism. 2022.PMID: 35985340

    Preclinical characterization of retatrutide's triple receptor agonism and metabolic effects.

Retatrutide

Metabolic Research

From $59.99

Purgo Labs list price, read 12 Sep 2026 · per-lot COA on the vendor page

1 vial (10mg)
List price · read 12 Sep 2026
$59.99
1 vial (15mg)
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$84.99
1 vial (20mg)
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$119.99
1 vial (30mg)
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Technical Specifications

Peptide Class
Triple incretin receptor agonist (37 amino acids)
Molecular Weight
4,731.33 Da
Receptor Targets
GIPR + GLP-1R + GCGR (triple agonism)
Clinical Stage
Phase III (TRIUMPH program, 2025)
Peak Weight Loss (Ph. II)
Up to 24.2% at 48 weeks
Available Sizes
5mg vials
Form
Lyophilized powder
Purity
≥99% (third-party tested)
Legal Status
Research Chemical

View full legal status guide →

Known Interactions

5 documented interactions for Retatrutide

Build a stack with Retatrutide

Both target GLP-1 receptors. Combining is contraindicated due to additive receptor agonism and adverse event risk.

Clinical evidence

Both target GLP-1 and GIP receptors. Combining is contraindicated.

Clinical evidence
IGF-1 LR3Caution

Both affect glucose metabolism. Monitor blood glucose if combining.

Theoretical evidence
BPC-157Neutral

BPC-157 may support GI health during triple agonist therapy. No known negative interaction.

Theoretical evidence
TB-500Neutral

No known interaction.

Theoretical evidence

Interaction data is based on published research, known pharmacological mechanisms, and clinical practitioner experience. Evidence tiers: Clinical = human data; Emerging = preclinical/case reports; Theoretical = mechanism-based inference. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before combining compounds.

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Vendor codes

Also sold as: what vendors call retatrutide

Since the 2025–26 enforcement wave almost no vendor lists retatrutide by name. These are the 39 house codes we have read on vendor pages. 24 of them come with a stated identity (a CAS number, a lab lot prefix on the vendor's certificate page, or the vendor's own FAQ); the rest are codes only, and we keep those out of the price table.

AMP-3 (RT)Amino Club'Reta (GLP-1/GIP/GCG) 10mg'Blue Sky Peptide'Triple Agonist'Crush ResearchGLP-3 RTDisguised AlphaElite-3RTElite Edge BiotechGLP-3 (R)Evo Labs Research'GLP-3-RT'ezPepsGLP-3 RHonest PeptideGLP-3 RTIdun Peptides'GLP 3 (RT)'Kylo PeptidesGLP3-ROath ResearchOC-3RT (GLP3-R)Oneday CompoundsOPTI-(R)Optima Supply'Triple Receptor Agonist'Panda Peptides'GLP-3'Peak Lab PeptidesRT-3Peptide Giants'GLP-3 Retatrutide'Peptide PartnersPBL-RT3Premier Bio LabsGLP/GIP/GLC-RtProfound AminosGLP-3 RPurgo LabsRIVN-3RTRivn PeptidesGLP-3RetaValidated PeptidesVRC-3RValor Peptides'VRL-3 (RT)'Value Research LabsGLP-3 AL (R)Accelerate LabsGLP3-RAIO PeptidesAMP-3PAmeano PeptidesAL-3RTAmplified LabsBRP-3RBlue Ridge PeptidesEZP-3PEZ PeptidesFG3-RGlow AminosLP3-RLicensed PeptidesMA-3RTModern AminosPS-R3Petratide SciencePUR-3RPuratek PeptidesSP-R3Snap PeptidesZC-RTZC LabsRPP3-RRamp PeptidesORP-3ROptimum Regen Peptides

Full decoder: every GLP-1, tirzepatide and retatrutide vendor code, with the evidence behind each · green = identity stated, amber = code only

Safety

Retatrutide side effects

Human trial data

Phase 2 human trial data exist; not approved anywhere — figures are from the phase 2 obesity trial

Retatrutide is unapproved and still in phase 3, so its safety profile is provisional. The phase 2 obesity trial reported dose-dependent gastrointestinal effects during escalation, discontinuations that rose with dose, and an increase in heart rate. Long-term safety is unknown.

Research-use information only. Research-grade Retatrutide is not an approved medicine; where trial or label figures appear below they belong to the pharmaceutical product studied, not to any research vial. This section does not give dosing or medical advice.

What is reported

Every rate carries its source. Where no source exists, no rate is printed.

EffectRate (sourced)DetailSource
Gastrointestinal events (nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation)not quantifiedDose-related, mostly mild-to-moderate, concentrated during escalation.Jastreboff et al. 2023 (phase 2)
Discontinuation for adverse events6–16% across dose groups vs 0% placeboHigher at higher doses.Jastreboff et al. 2023
Heart-rate increasenot quantifiedDose-dependent rise observed, greatest early in treatment.Jastreboff et al. 2023
Dysaesthesia / skin sensitivitynot quantifiedReported in the phase 2 programme at higher doses.Jastreboff et al. 2023

What is not known

  • •Everything beyond 48 weeks.
  • •Cardiovascular outcomes (phase 3 ongoing).
  • •Identity and dose of research-grade material — several vendors sell it under house codes without a CAS number.

Mechanism-based cautions

  • •Assume GLP-1 class warnings apply until shown otherwise.
  • •Glucagon-receptor activity adds a mechanism (hepatic glucose output, heart rate) the dual agonists do not have.

Regulatory status: Not approved anywhere; Eli Lilly phase 3 (TRIUMPH) ongoing as of 2026.

Side-effect references

  1. Jastreboff AM, et al. Triple-hormone-receptor agonist retatrutide for obesity — a phase 2 trial. New England Journal of Medicine, 2023. PMID 37366315.

What is actually in a research vial

Everything above describes Retatrutide the molecule. The risk specific to a research vial is different: it may not contain Retatrutide at the labelled amount, and it may contain what the synthesis left behind. Identity (mass spectrometry), purity (HPLC), measured net content and an endotoxin result are the four lines on a certificate that bear on adverse effects, and only a certificate you can check at the laboratory tells you any of them. This is what we have verified for Retatrutide so far.

Who sells Retatrutide, and what they document

28 of the 105 vendors on our scoreboard list Retatrutide with a price we read on the product page (5 Sep 2026–1 Nov 2026). Of those, 27 name their testing laboratory, 24 publish certificates that resolve on the lab's own site, and 27 publish measured milligrams against the label. The full ranking, with every dated price, is on Best Retatrutide Vendors.

VendorRubricLab namedPrice read
Idun Peptides10/10Kovera Labs (named in certificate captions only)$44.99 · 10mg · 5 Sep 2026
MyPurePeptidepartner10/10Janoshik Analytical$80.00 · 10mg · 1 Nov 2026
Oneday Compoundspartner10/10ILS Laboratories (San Diego, CA)$32.99 · 5mg · 29 Oct 2026
Panda Peptides10/10Janoshik Analytical · ILS Labs (per batch)$53.99 · 10mg · 25 Oct 2026
Peptide Giantspartner10/10Janoshik Analytical · Vanguard Laboratory$39.99 · 5mg · 1 Nov 2026

Top 5 by rubric score; 23 more on the ranking page.

Retatrutide certificates we have opened

4 certificates for Retatrutide in the COA library: 4 checkable on the laboratory's own site, 4 stating measured mass against the label, 2 carrying a flag.

Side-effect questions

Is retatrutide safe?

Nobody can say yet. A phase 2 trial in 338 people reported a tolerability profile similar in kind to other incretin drugs with a heart-rate signal; phase 3 is what establishes safety and it is not finished.

Side-effect section last reviewed 2026-09-12. Moved from the standalone side-effects page on 10 October 2026; text unchanged.

Supporting Research

Phase 2 Human TrialPhase 2 human RCT — Phase 3 ongoing, not yet approved
Evidence note: Retatrutide is an investigational compound. Phase 3 trials are ongoing. It has not received regulatory approval in any jurisdiction as of 2026.

Retatrutide has Phase 2 human trial data showing exceptional weight loss (24.2% at 48 weeks). Phase 3 is ongoing. It is investigational — not FDA-approved. Claims about weight loss efficacy can be stated with confidence when tied to the Phase 2 NEJM trial, but must be accompanied by the Phase 3 / not-approved caveat.

References

  • Jastreboff AM, et al.[HUMAN Phase 2 RCT, n=338]
    New England Journal of Medicine. 2023. DOI PubMed
    Up to 24.2% mean body weight reduction at 48 weeks — highest reported for any pharmacological agent in a Phase 2 trial.
  • Coskun T, et al.[PRECLINICAL + early human PK]
    Cell Metabolism. 2022. DOI PubMed
    Triple receptor agonism characterization; GIP/GLP-1/GCGR co-agonism mechanism.

Research Databases

PubMedNCBIClinicalTrials.gov

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