Retatrutide: The Drug That Beats Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy for Weight Loss
Eli Lilly, a renowned pharmaceutical company, has unveiled an extraordinary breakthrough in weight loss treatment. Through a new study, participants experienced unprecedented results, with an average weight loss of 24%, surpassing any other drug in its class.
In the latest research, Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Mounjaro, presented findings from two independent studies showcasing the promising potential of a novel injectable weight loss medication. Known as retatrutide, this drug enabled patients to achieve an average weight reduction of 24% within a 48-week period on the highest prescribed dosage, as reported in a mid-stage study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
During the course of 11 months, participants lost an average of 58 pounds, with every individual on the highest dosage achieving a minimum weight loss of 5%, while a quarter of them experienced an astounding 30% or more reduction in weight. Moreover, in a second study published in the Lancet, retatrutide demonstrated significant efficacy not only in promoting weight loss among individuals with type 2 diabetes but also in improving glycemic control.
Over a span of nine months, participants experienced an average weight loss of 17%, which is particularly noteworthy considering the inherent challenges faced by those with type 2 diabetes in shedding excess weight, as compared to individuals with obesity or being overweight.
An astounding 30% or more reduction in weight. Moreover, in a second study published in the Lancet, retatrutide demonstrated significant efficacy not only in promoting weight loss among individuals with type 2 diabetes but also in improving glycemic control.
Over a span of nine months, participants experienced an average weight loss of 17%, which is particularly noteworthy considering the inherent challenges faced by those with type 2 diabetes in shedding excess weight, as compared to individuals with obesity or being overweight.
Retatrutide, like other medications in its class such as Mounjaro, Ozempic, and Wegovy, may have similar side effects, primarily affecting the gastrointestinal system. These side effects include mild to moderate nausea, constipation, vomiting, and diarrhea.
A staggering statistic reveals that 42.4% of Americans have obesity, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Additionally, 30.7% of the population is classified as overweight, while 9.2% suffer from severe obesity.
Dan Skovronsky, ELI Lilly’s chief medical and scientific officer, expressed confidence in the phase two data, stating that it has paved the way for further exploration of retatrutide’s potential in phase three trials. These trials aim to extend beyond weight reduction and focus on comprehensive treatment of obesity and its associated complications.
Retatrutide distinguishes itself from other weight loss medications in its class by targeting three different hunger-regulating hormones. While Ozempic and Wegovy solely act as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, primarily used for diabetes and weight loss, Mounjaro combines GLP-1 receptor agonism with the mimicry of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), a hormone involved in post-meal food release. Retatrutide goes even further by also mimicking the glucagon receptor, which regulates glucose and lipid metabolism, ultimately promoting weight loss, as indicated by a study published in the Journal of Clinical Insight. The “triple G” effects of retatrutide may be the key factor differentiating it from similar medications. Mounjaro has demonstrated body fat reduction of up to 22.5%, while semaglutide (the generic name for Wegovy and Ozempic) has resulted in body fat reductions of up to 15%.
Approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for retatrutide is expected to take several years, as it needs to complete longer phase three trials, potentially extending until 2025.
Eli Lilly’s success in the weight loss drug market has positioned the company as a frontrunner in the industry, which experts predict will reach a value of $100 billion by the end of the decade.
