From the Guidelines
Retatrutide is a triple agonist that targets GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors, showing promise in weight management and obesity treatment, with significant weight loss and improvement in metabolic function, as noted in recent studies 1.
Key Characteristics of Retatrutide
- It is administered as a weekly subcutaneous injection.
- Currently in clinical trials and not yet approved by regulatory agencies like the FDA.
- Works by suppressing appetite, increasing feelings of fullness, boosting energy expenditure, and improving metabolic function.
Clinical Studies and Outcomes
- Clinical studies have shown promising results with significant weight loss, with some participants losing up to a substantial percentage of their body weight over several weeks.
- Common side effects include gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which typically improve over time.
Comparison with Other Treatments
- Represents a potential advancement in obesity treatment by simultaneously targeting multiple metabolic pathways.
- Offers a more comprehensive approach than single-target medications currently available, as discussed in recent reviews and guidelines 1.
Considerations for Use
- The medication's effects on gastric emptying and potential risk of pulmonary aspiration, particularly in the peri-operative setting, should be considered, as highlighted by recent consensus statements and studies 1.
From the Research
Definition and Mechanism of Retatrutide
- Retatrutide is a novel triple agonist that targets the receptors of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), and glucagon 2, 3, 4.
- It has been shown to have clinically meaningful improvements in glycaemic control and robust reductions in bodyweight in people with type 2 diabetes 2.
- The role of stimulating glucagon receptors in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and/or obesity is poorly defined and needs to be clarified 4.
Efficacy and Safety of Retatrutide
- Retatrutide has been shown to significantly reduce body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose, hemoglobin A1c, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure in obese patients with or without diabetes 3.
- The safety profile of retatrutide is consistent with GLP-1 receptor agonists and GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonists, with mild-to-moderate gastrointestinal adverse events being the most common side effects 2.
- No significant difference in adverse events was observed between retatrutide and placebo groups in some studies 3.
Comparison with Other Treatments
- Retatrutide may be superior to the GLP-1 receptor agonist dulaglutide in reducing plasma glucose and body weight, but its efficacy compared to other GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide is not well established 4.
- Retatrutide needs to be compared to other treatments, including the combined GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist tirzepatide, to determine its place in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity 4.
Potential Benefits and Future Directions
- Retatrutide may have potential benefits in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity, including improved glycaemic control and weight loss 2, 3.
- Further research is needed to establish the long-term efficacy and safety of retatrutide and to determine its potential role in the treatment of other diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative diseases 4, 5.