Health

Phase 3 trial shows experimental drug retatrutide aids weight loss and blood sugar

A triple-hormone medication demonstrated significant weight reduction and health improvements in adults with diabetes.

Updated Sep 30, 2026 · 00:13 UTC4 reports

The short version

An 80-week phase 3 clinical trial of Eli Lilly's experimental triple-agonist drug retatrutide showed substantial weight loss and improved blood sugar among adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes.[Scientific American · The Guardian]
Participants receiving the highest dose achieved substantial reductions in weight, with many no longer meeting the body mass index threshold for obesity.[Scientific American · The Guardian]
Gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and nausea were the most frequent adverse effects, while seven deaths during the trial were ruled unrelated to the drug.[Scientific American · The Guardian]
Retatrutide remains unapproved by regulatory agencies, with future regulatory filings expected.[The Guardian]

Retatrutide targets GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors to manage appetite, metabolism, and energy expenditure.[Scientific American · The Guardian]
In the highest 12 mg dose group, about six in 10 participants no longer met obesity BMI criteria by the end of the 80-week trial.[Scientific American]
Common side effects involved gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and nausea.[Scientific American · The Guardian]
Seven deaths occurred during the trial across treatment and placebo arms, which investigators determined were unrelated to the medication.[Scientific American · The Guardian]

There are slight variations in reported percentage body weight loss figures for the 12 mg retatrutide arm across published reports.[Scientific American · The Guardian]
Retatrutide has not yet received approval from any health regulatory agency.[The Guardian]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.