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Abstract bronze molecular structure against a dark ground

Peptide profile · Metabolic

Retatrutide

An investigational triple agonist targeting GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptors. Phase 2 data have been reported; it is not an approved medicine anywhere.

Investigational
GradeBModerate (RCTs, limited scope)
Last reviewed 2026-08-05Updated 2026-08-15

Quick facts

Classification
Triple incretin/glucagon receptor agonist peptide
Target / mechanism
GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptors
Development status
Phase 3 clinical development
Regulatory status
Investigational
Evidence level
Moderate (RCTs, limited scope)
Therapeutic area
Metabolic
Route / formulation
Subcutaneous injection (trial protocols only)

What it is

Retatrutide is an experimental peptide under clinical investigation. It has no approved indication, no approved labelling, and no established long-term safety profile.

How it works

Adding glucagon receptor activity to dual incretin agonism is hypothesised to increase energy expenditure alongside appetite and glycaemic effects. This mechanism is still being characterised in humans.

What it has been studied for

  • Obesity and weight reduction (phase 2 completed, phase 3 ongoing)
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Metabolic liver disease endpoints

Safety and side effects

Reported trial adverse events are predominantly gastrointestinal and dose-related. Because exposure is limited to trial populations and durations, long-term safety is not established.

Warnings and contraindications

Not approved for any use. Any material sold outside a clinical trial is unapproved and of unverified identity, purity, and sterility.
Promising phase 2 results do not reliably predict phase 3 outcomes or long-term safety.

Compounded / research status

Retatrutide is widely sold online under 'research use only' framing. That label describes a sales category, not an assessment of human safety, and does not make a product appropriate for human use.

Investigational uses

All current uses are investigational. Endpoints, dose ranges, and populations are defined by trial protocols and are not transferable to general use.

Frequently asked questions

References

  • Phase 2 obesity trial reportPeer-reviewed clinical literature
  • Registered phase 3 programme entriesPublic clinical trial registries

Reference entries are editorial placeholders describing source type and origin. Primary documents are linked as each profile is expanded.

Editorial disclaimer

This site is educational and does not provide medical advice, dosing protocols, or treatment recommendations. Regulatory status and evidence strength differ sharply between compounds. A “research use only” label does not indicate that a product is appropriate for human use. Decisions about medicines belong with a qualified clinician.
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