What is retatrutide and when will it be available?

Retatrutide (Eli Lilly) activates three receptors: GLP-1 and GIP (like tirzepatide) plus glucagon, which raises energy expenditure — adding a “burn more” mechanism to the “eat less” mechanisms of current drugs. The phase 2 numbers that made it famous: 24.2% average weight loss at 48 weeks on the top dose, with the curve still falling at the study’s end — implying the true ceiling is higher. Virtually every higher-dose participant lost at least 5%; about a quarter lost 30% or more. Liver-fat reductions were also striking. Where it stands: the phase 3 TRIUMPH program (obesity, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, cardiovascular outcomes) is underway, with readouts rolling through 2025–2026. Watch items from phase 2 that phase 3 must clarify: dose-related heart-rate increases and the usual GI side-effect profile. Realistic availability if all goes well: roughly 2026–2027, initially expensive and supply-constrained. The warning that bears repeating: retatrutide cannot be legally sold, prescribed, or compounded anywhere today. The “retatrutide” on peptide and research-chemical sites is unregulated powder of unknown identity and dose — the most counterfeited molecule in this space. If you want these results eventually, the rational play is an approved GLP-1 now (which one?) and a switch later if retatrutide earns approval.