Retatrutide

Retatrutide is a novel investigational peptide therapy designed as a triple agonist for the GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide), and glucagon receptors. By activating these three pathways simultaneously, Retatrutide enhances glycemic control, energy expenditure, and appetite suppression beyond what current incretin-based drugs provide.

Mechanisms and effects:

• Appetite suppression: Activates GLP-1 and GIP pathways to enhance satiety, reduce hunger, and lower caloric intake.
• Blood sugar regulation: Improves insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner, lowers glucagon when glucose is high, and reduces post-meal glucose spikes.
• Increased energy expenditure: Glucagon receptor activation boosts fat oxidation and energy use, leading to greater weight loss.
• Weight management: Early clinical trials show more substantial reductions in body weight than with semaglutide or tirzepatide.
• Cardiometabolic benefits: May improve blood pressure, lipid profiles, and reduce visceral fat, supporting cardiovascular health.

Retatrutide is administered via once-weekly subcutaneous injection in clinical trials. Reported side effects are similar to other incretin therapies—primarily gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)—and are generally dose-dependent.

In summary, Retatrutide is a first-in-class triple-agonist peptide that combines the benefits of GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptor activation to deliver powerful effects on weight loss, metabolic regulation, and energy balance, positioning it as a potential next-generation treatment for obesity and type 2 diabetes.