Lilly Reports New Phase 3 Results for Retatrutide in Obesity Trials
Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness
Eli Lilly has reported positive topline results from two Phase 3 clinical trials evaluating retatrutide, an investigational obesity medication, in adults with obesity and related health conditions.
The results come from the TRIUMPH-2 and TRIUMPH-3 studies, which evaluated the once-weekly therapy in people with obesity who also had either type 2 diabetes or established cardiovascular disease. Lilly said it plans to submit retatrutide for U.S. regulatory approval in the first quarter of 2027.
In the TRIUMPH-2 trial, participants with obesity or overweight and type 2 diabetes lost up to an average of 49.6 pounds, or 20.8% of their body weight, over 80 weeks. The study also reported improvements in blood sugar levels among participants receiving the medication.
In the TRIUMPH-3 trial, adults with severe obesity and cardiovascular disease lost up to an average of 55.8 pounds, or 22.6% of their body weight, over the same period. Researchers also reported improvements in several cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure, cholesterol and waist circumference.
"Across five positive Phase 3 studies, retatrutide has shown powerful efficacy, and we believe it could be an important future tool in the management of cardiometabolic health," said Kenneth Custer, Ph.D., executive vice president and president of Lilly Cardiometabolic Health.
Unlike currently approved GLP-1 medications, retatrutide is designed to target three hormones involved in appetite, metabolism and energy regulation. Lilly is studying the drug across multiple obesity-related conditions, including obstructive sleep apnea, knee osteoarthritis pain and chronic low back pain. The medication has not yet been approved for use.
The most commonly reported side effects in both studies were gastrointestinal, including diarrhea, nausea, constipation and vomiting. Lilly said these events were generally mild to moderate, and detailed findings from the trials will be presented at future scientific meetings and submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
