Research Brief
Retatrutide: Research Overview
An investigational triple GIP/GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist in late-stage trials — not approved by any regulator, and supplied here as research-grade material for laboratory use only.
Last reviewed: June 2, 2026
For Laboratory Research Use Only
Content on this page describes published research findings. LUMEN BASED does not make therapeutic claims. Consult the primary literature and your institutional review board for protocol design. These products are not for human consumption.
What is Retatrutide?
Retatrutide is an investigational triple agonist — it activates the GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptors. It is not approved by the FDA or any major regulator; it is in clinical development, with Phase 3 trials underway to confirm the Phase 2 findings below. [Kaur 2024]
What the published clinical research found (all Phase 2)
Obesity (Phase 2)
In 338 adults, retatrutide produced −17.1% to −24.2% body weight reduction at 48 weeks versus −2.1% with placebo; adverse events were dose-related and mostly mild-to-moderate gastrointestinal. [Jastreboff 2023]
Type 2 diabetes (Phase 2)
In 281 participants, retatrutide 12 mg reduced HbA1c by −2.02% and body weight by −16.94% at 36 weeks. [Rosenstock 2023]
Liver / MASLD (Phase 2a)
In 98 participants with liver steatosis, retatrutide reduced liver fat by approximately 81–82% at 24 weeks, with normal liver fat reached by 79–86% of treated patients. [Sanyal 2024]
Pooled evidence
A meta-analysis (3 RCTs, 640 patients) found significant weight reduction (−10.66 kg) with increased proportions achieving at least 15% and 20% weight loss; gastrointestinal events were increased but non-severe. [Pasqualotto 2024]
Investigational caution
Expert commentary notes the promising results but flags an increase in heart rate (up to about 6.7 beats/min) and the need for head-to-head and Phase 3 confirmation. [Doggrell 2023]
Regulatory status & research-use only
Retatrutide is an investigational drug, not approved for any use, and its long-term efficacy and safety remain unproven pending Phase 3 results. LUMEN BASED supplies retatrutide strictly as a research-grade material for laboratory use only. It is not intended for human or veterinary use, and nothing on this page is medical advice, a prescription, or a recommendation to use it. Every reference below links to its primary source on PubMed for independent verification.
Verify the batch you're studying
Each Retatrutide lot ships with a third-party Certificate of Analysis (HPLC, mass spectrometry, identity confirmation). Pair the batch in your study with the matching COA before publishing or reporting results.
View COA for Retatrutide →References
- Jastreboff AM et al. (2023). Triple-Hormone-Receptor Agonist Retatrutide for Obesity - A Phase 2 Trial. PubMed
- Rosenstock J et al. (2023). Retatrutide, a GIP, GLP-1 and glucagon receptor agonist, for people with type 2 diabetes: a randomised, double-blind, placebo and active-controlled, parallel-group, phase 2 trial. PubMed
- Sanyal AJ et al. (2024). Triple hormone receptor agonist retatrutide for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: a randomized phase 2a trial. PubMed
- Kaur M et al. (2024). A review of an investigational drug retatrutide, a novel triple agonist agent for the treatment of obesity. PubMed
- Pasqualotto E et al. (2024). Effects of once-weekly subcutaneous retatrutide on weight and metabolic markers: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PubMed
- Doggrell SA (2023). Retatrutide showing promise in obesity (and type 2 diabetes). PubMed
For Research Use Only. All LUMEN BASED compounds are strictly for in vitro laboratory research by qualified researchers. Not for human or animal consumption. Not approved by the FDA for therapeutic use.