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Retatrutide

A next-generation triple-action weight loss peptide — up to 24% in clinical trials. Retatrutide is an investigational triple agonist targeting GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptors simultaneously. Phase 2 trials showed unprecedented 24% weight loss at the highest dose — the most ever recorded for any obesity medication. Currently in Phase 3 clinical trials, it represents the next generation of metabolic therapies.

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🧬Key Characteristics
  • Length: 39 amino acids
    (Multi-receptor agonist.)
  • Half-life: ~6 days
    (Allows weekly dosing.)
  • Mechanism: Triple agonist
    (GIP + GLP-1 + Glucagon.)
  • Primary Use: Weight loss
    (24% in Phase 2 trials.)
Key modifications
Optimized for balanced triple receptor activation
The glucagon component increases hepatic fat oxidation and energy expenditure, potentially explaining the unprecedented weight loss seen in clinical trials.
Key takeaway: Retatrutide showed the highest weight loss ever recorded for an obesity medication in Phase 2 trials. Currently in Phase 3 with potential FDA approval in 2025-2026.

Overview

Core Benefits

Key Advantages
Exceptional weight loss
Phase 2 trials showed up to 24% weight loss at highest dose — potentially the most effective weight loss medication ever studied.
Triple mechanism
First-in-class triple agonist targeting GIP, GLP-1, AND glucagon receptors for maximum metabolic impact.
Enhanced energy expenditure
Glucagon receptor activation increases thermogenesis and energy use — burns more calories even at rest.
Superior glucose control
Exceptional blood sugar improvements with near-normalization of A1C in many trial participants.
Weekly dosing
Convenient once-weekly injection, same schedule as tirzepatide and semaglutide.
Phase 3 trials ongoing
Made by Eli Lilly (same maker as tirzepatide). FDA approval expected if Phase 3 confirms Phase 2 results.

These are educational summaries of commonly discussed effects in wellness/regenerative contexts, not guarantees.

Retatrutide Results Timeline

Progression
1
Week 1–4
Physical Changes
Rapid weight loss begins (4-8 lbs), very strong appetite suppression
Performance & Recovery
Dramatic reduction in hunger, early satiety after small meals
Other Benefits
GI side effects common (nausea, diarrhea), dose titration period
2
Month 2–3
Physical Changes
Accelerated weight loss (10-18%), rapid body transformation
Performance & Recovery
Minimal hunger between meals, easy caloric deficit
Other Benefits
Blood sugar often normalizes, increased energy from glucagon action
3
Month 4–6
Physical Changes
Substantial weight loss (18-22%), significant fat reduction
Performance & Recovery
Improved stamina from lower body weight, thermogenesis boost
Other Benefits
Metabolic markers improve dramatically, sustained energy
4
6+ Months
Physical Changes
Up to 24%+ weight loss possible (based on Phase 2 data)
Performance & Recovery
Exercise capacity increases, body recomposition
Other Benefits
Continue until goal weight reached; long-term use expected for maintenance

Timeline is illustrative and non-guaranteed. Outcomes vary and are commonly discussed alongside training, nutrition, sleep, and cycling practices.

How It Works

Triple Agonist — GIP/GLP-1/Glucagon Receptor

Receptor → Metabolic Cascade → Weight & Glucose → Outcomes

🎯
Target

GIP + GLP-1 + Glucagon Receptors — Triple Activation

Retatrutide is the first triple agonist, adding glucagon receptor activation to the dual GIP/GLP-1 mechanism of tirzepatide. Glucagon increases energy expenditure and fat oxidation — adding a "burn more" signal to the "eat less" effect.

Cellular Signal

Triple cAMP Activation → Maximum Metabolic Effect

GLP-1: appetite suppression + insulin secretion. GIP: enhanced fat metabolism + beta cell support. Glucagon: increased hepatic glucose output + thermogenesis + fat oxidation. The three pathways together create the most comprehensive metabolic intervention available.

🔄
Systemic Effect

Eat Less + Burn More → Maximum Weight Loss

Phase 2 trials showed up to 24% body weight loss at 48 weeks — potentially the highest of any weight-loss medication. The glucagon component drives energy expenditure that the dual agonists lack. Still investigational.

What You Notice

Strong Appetite Reduction + Increased Energy Expenditure

Pronounced appetite suppression plus a subtle increase in energy expenditure (from glucagon). Weight loss is rapid and significant. GI side effects require careful titration. Currently in Phase 3 trials — not yet FDA-approved.

What Makes This Peptide Different

Retatrutide represents the next generation beyond tirzepatide. The addition of glucagon receptor activation creates a dual mechanism: reduced intake (GLP-1/GIP) AND increased expenditure (glucagon). This "eat less + burn more" combination may produce the greatest weight loss of any pharmaceutical intervention. Still investigational — follow research protocols carefully.

Dosing Protocol

Weight Loss

Educational reference only. Individual responses vary. Consult healthcare provider before use.

Vial Size
10 mg
Reconstitution
2 ml BAC water
Dose
0.5 mg (10 units on 1ml syringe)
Timing
AM
Frequency
3x per week
Duration
8 weeks on, 8 weeks off or until goal weight
Protocol Notes
Triple agonist (GIP/GLP-1/Glucagon). Investigational — follow research protocols carefully.
Read the full dosing guide — protocols, reconstitution, clinical context & more

Why This Dosing Protocol

Why weekly? Extended half-life allows once-weekly injection like semaglutide and tirzepatide. Consistent weekly timing maintains steady blood levels.

Why very slow titration? The triple receptor activation requires even more careful titration than dual or single agonists. Start at 0.5mg and increase gradually over many weeks.

Retatrutide Pricing

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Reconstitution calculator

Dilution math and unit conversions. Prefilled using a common vial size for this peptide.

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Educational Videos

How to Reconstitute Peptides

Handling

Educational overview on storage, labeling, and traceability considerations for lab environments. Consult primary literature and vendor documentation for specifics.

Powder Storage (Very Stable)
  • Freezer (-20°C): 1+ year ✓
  • Refrigerator (2-8°C): 1-3 months ✓
  • Room temperature: 2-3 weeks (emergency only)
Reconstituted Storage (Fragile)
  • MUST refrigerate at 2-8°C
  • 4-week maximum shelf life
  • NEVER freeze after reconstitution
  • Use bacteriostatic water for multi-dose

Storage & Handling Guide

Learn proper storage temperatures, shelf life timelines, reconstitution best practices, and travel tips for lyophilized and reconstituted peptides.

Powder: Freezer
1+ year at -20°C
Reconstituted: Fridge
4 weeks max at 2-8°C
View Complete Storage Guide

FAQ

What makes retatrutide different from tirzepatide and semaglutide?

Retatrutide is a "triple agonist" — it activates GIP, GLP-1, AND glucagon receptors. Tirzepatide only activates GIP and GLP-1, while semaglutide only activates GLP-1. The added glucagon receptor activation increases energy expenditure (thermogenesis), potentially explaining the exceptional 24% weight loss seen in Phase 2 trials.

Is retatrutide FDA approved?

Not yet. Retatrutide completed Phase 2 trials with impressive results and is currently in Phase 3 trials. It's made by Eli Lilly (the same company behind tirzepatide). If Phase 3 confirms the Phase 2 results, FDA approval could come in 2025-2026.

What were the Phase 2 trial results?

In the 48-week Phase 2 trial, participants on the highest dose (12mg) lost an average of 24.2% of their body weight — the highest ever recorded for any obesity medication in clinical trials. Even the lower doses showed impressive results, with 12mg participants losing about 58 lbs on average.

What are the expected side effects?

Similar to other incretin medications: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation, especially during dose escalation. The glucagon component may cause additional effects. Phase 2 showed manageable side effects, but full safety profile will be established in Phase 3 trials.

What does the glucagon receptor activation do?

Glucagon receptor activation increases energy expenditure by stimulating thermogenesis (heat production) and fat oxidation. It also promotes liver glucose release and may affect appetite through different pathways than GLP-1. This "calorie burning" effect adds to the appetite suppression from GIP/GLP-1 for enhanced weight loss.

How does retatrutide compare to tirzepatide for weight loss?

Phase 2 data suggests retatrutide produces even greater weight loss than tirzepatide (24% vs 20-22%). The added glucagon component appears to boost results. However, direct head-to-head trials haven't been conducted, and Phase 3 results will provide more definitive comparisons.

When will retatrutide be available?

Retatrutide is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials. If trials are successful and FDA approval is granted, it could potentially be available in 2026 or later. Some research chemical sources offer it now, but this is not the same as FDA-approved medication and carries additional risks.

What dosages are being tested for retatrutide?

A common research dosage is 0.5 mg (10 units on 1ml syringe) administered 3 times per week in the AM. Protocol: 8 weeks on, 8 weeks off or until goal weight is reached. Phase 2 clinical trials tested higher doses (1-12 mg weekly).

How long does reconstituted peptide last?

Once mixed with bacteriostatic water, peptides remain stable for up to 4 weeks when refrigerated at 2-8°C (36-46°F). Unopened powder can last 1+ year in the freezer. Get our complete Storage & Travel Guide.

Is this peptide legal to purchase?

Peptides sold "for research purposes only" are legal to purchase in the US, but are not FDA-approved for human use outside of specific medical applications. Always consult a healthcare provider before use.

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Scientific Sources

The following peer-reviewed studies and official resources provide additional scientific context for this peptide:

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