Retatrutide is an investigational once-weekly triple hormone receptor agonist from Lilly. The molecule activates GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptors and has reported Phase 3 efficacy results in type 2 diabetes, with ongoing Phase 3 programs across obesity and other cardiometabolic conditions. It is not yet approved and is described as legally available only to participants in Lilly clinical trials.
January and March 2026 drug pipeline updates included Phase 3 results, Fast Track designations and Priority Review decisions across multiple disease areas. Mavacamten, teplizumab-mzwv, anifrolumab, AXS-05, gedatolisib and AFTX-201 were among the programs with notable milestones.
The FDA has announced plans to crack down on active pharmaceutical ingredients used in compounded GLP-1 drugs and warned about the risks of these products. The agency has cited counterfeit products, non-FDA-approved ingredients and more than 1,000 adverse event reports tied to compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide.
A Cleveland Clinic study of nearly 8,000 patients found minimal weight regain one year after stopping semaglutide or tirzepatide, contrasting with clinical trial results. Meanwhile, Eli Lilly's retatrutide and Roche's petrelintide continue development as next-generation obesity treatments.
The FDA announced major policy changes including requiring only one study for drug approvals instead of two, and offering performance bonuses to reviewers who complete work ahead of schedule while maintaining thoroughness.
Novo Nordisk struggles against Eli Lilly in the weight loss market as CagriSema underperforms Zepbound, though new candidate UBT251 shows promise with 19.7% weight loss in 24 weeks. The company expects sales to decline in 2026 despite oral Wegovy's success.
Three GLP-1 weight-loss drugs—semaglutide, tirzepatide and retatrutide—reduced weight and improved metabolic health in mice lacking the MC4R gene, offering potential treatment for rare genetic obesity.
Novo Nordisk's experimental triple-action obesity drug UBT251 achieved up to 19.7% weight loss in a Phase 2 trial in China, as the company works to regain ground against rival Eli Lilly in the obesity drug market.
Triple-agonist drug retatrutide has demonstrated weight loss outcomes similar to bariatric surgery in Phase 3 trials. Research shows GLP-1 drugs work through brain-mediated appetite suppression and are effective even in genetic obesity.
Eli Lilly reported Q4 2025 EPS of $7.54 versus $6.67 expected and projected 2026 revenue of $80-83 billion. Mounjaro revenue surged 110% to $7.4B while Zepbound jumped 123% to $4.2B in Q4.
Eli Lilly is developing multiple next-generation obesity treatments, including oral GLP-1 drug orforglipron expected to launch in Q2 2026, as competition intensifies in a market projected to reach $95 billion by 2030.
| NCT ID | Title | Status | Phase |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCT07357415 |
A Study of Retatrutide (LY3437943) in Participants Without Type 2 Diabetes Who Have Obesity or Overweight |
RECRUITING | PHASE3 |
| NCT07232719 |
A Study of Retatrutide (LY3437943) in Participants With Obesity or Overweight |
ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING | PHASE3 |
| NCT07165028 |
A Master Protocol of Multiple Agents in Adults With Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (SYNERGY-Outcomes) |
RECRUITING | PHASE3 |
| NCT07035093 |
A Study of Retatrutide (LY3437943) in Participants Who Have Obesity or Overweight and Chronic Low Back Pain |
RECRUITING | PHASE3 |
| NCT06982859 |
A Study to Evaluate the Effect of Retatrutide on Insulin Secretion and Insulin Sensitivity in Adult Participants With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus |
RECRUITING | PHASE1 |
| NCT06982846 |
A Study to Investigate the Response of Participants With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus on Once-Weekly Retatrutide to Hypoglycemia |
ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING | PHASE1 |
| NCT06859268 |
A Study of Retatrutide (LY3437943) in the Maintenance of Weight Reduction in Individuals With Obesity |
ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING | PHASE3 |
| NCT06808802 |
To Investigate the Effect of Retatrutide (LY3437943) on Metoprolol Pharmacokinetics in Healthy Participants |
COMPLETED | PHASE1 |
| NCT06662383 |
A Study of Retatrutide (LY3437943) Compared to Tirzepatide (LY3298176) in Adults Who Have Obesity |
ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING | PHASE3 |
| NCT06383390 |
The Effect of Retatrutide Once Weekly on Cardiovascular Outcomes and Kidney Outcomes in Adults Living With Obesity (TRIUMPH-Outcomes) |
ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING | PHASE3 |
