Retatrutide

Retatrutide is an investigational triple-receptor agonist targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors simultaneously. Phase 2 data published in NEJM showed…

Triple-receptor (GLP-1 / GIP / glucagon) agonist in late-stage clinical trials.

Retatrutide is an investigational triple-receptor agonist targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors simultaneously. Phase 2 data published in NEJM showed the largest average weight reductions reported for any incretin-class molecule to date.

Overview

Retatrutide is a synthetic peptide engineered to activate three incretin/metabolic receptors at once — GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon. It is currently in late-stage clinical trials and represents the leading edge of next-generation metabolic peptide research.

Mechanism of action

Simultaneous agonism of GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors combines incretin effects (insulin secretion, gastric emptying, appetite) with glucagon-driven energy expenditure.

Researched applications

• Next-generation metabolic and obesity research
• Triple-receptor pharmacology studies
• Hepatic fat / NAFLD research

Quick facts

Property	Detail
Class	Triple GLP-1 / GIP / glucagon agonist
Half-life	~6 days
Status	Investigational (Phase 3)
Storage	Lyophilized: freezer. Reconstituted: 2–8 °C, ≤28 days

Half-life

Reported half-life: ~6 days.

Other metabolic & weight peptides

Retatrutide sits in our metabolic & weight category. These are the other compounds in the same category, useful when you are deciding which reference page to read next.

• Semaglutide — A long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist extensively studied for metabolic health.
• Tirzepatide — Dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist studied for metabolic and weight outcomes.

Retatrutide head-to-head

• Semaglutide vs Retatrutide: Single-receptor incretin vs the leading triple-receptor next-generation molecule. What the early phase-2 retatrutide data actually shows.
• Tirzepatide vs Retatrutide: Dual-receptor vs triple-receptor: how the leading approved incretin compares to the most-watched next-generation molecule, side by side.

Storage and shelf life

State	Conditions	Shelf life
Lyophilized (Powder)	Refrigerate 2–8°C (36–46°F) or freeze	12–24 months refrigerated; longer frozen
Reconstituted	Refrigerate 2–8°C only; no freezing	21–30 days typically
In Transit	Insulated packaging; ice packs	Minimize time; avoid heat exposure
MK-677 (Oral)	Room temp okay; cool/dry preferred	Per manufacturer; typically 12+ months

Sources

• Triple–Hormone-Receptor Agonist Retatrutide for Obesity — A Phase 2 Trial — NEJM / PubMed (accessed 2026-06-13): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37366315/

Review status

This reference page was last reviewed on 2026-06-13 by the Clarity Wellness editorial team.

Important

All peptide products referenced are intended solely for research, investigational, or licensed professional use. They are not FDA-approved and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a licensed medical practitioner before any personal or clinical use.

Frequently asked questions

How is retatrutide different from semaglutide and tirzepatide?

Retatrutide activates three receptors (GLP-1, GIP, glucagon) versus semaglutide's one and tirzepatide's two. The added glucagon arm is thought to increase energy expenditure.

Is retatrutide FDA-approved?

No — as of 2026 it is investigational and in late-stage trials.