Retatrutide FAQ

Based on Eli Lilly's Phase 3 trial timelines, FDA submission is expected in late 2026 or early 2027. After submission, FDA review typically takes 6-12 months. Realistic commercial availability: Q4 2027 to Q2 2028.

No. Retatrutide is still investigational and has not received FDA approval. It cannot be legally purchased, prescribed, or dispensed in the United States. The only way to access it is by enrolling in an Eli Lilly clinical trial. Avoid 'gray market' overseas suppliers—those products are unregulated and potentially dangerous.

Phase 3 trials showed 24% average weight loss over 48 weeks at the highest dose (12mg). For a 250-pound person, that's ~60 pounds. Individual results vary based on diet, exercise, starting weight, and dosing.

Trial data suggests yes. Retatrutide delivered 24% weight loss vs ~22% for tirzepatide (Zepbound) and ~15% for semaglutide (Wegovy). However, retatrutide isn't approved yet, while Wegovy and Zepbound are available today.

Similar to other GLP-1 drugs: nausea (40-50%), vomiting (20-30%), diarrhea (25-35%), constipation (15-20%). One unique side effect is dysesthesia (tingling/numbness) in ~2% of patients. Most side effects improve after 4-8 weeks.

Eli Lilly hasn't announced pricing. Analysts estimate $1,200-$1,500/month retail given the enhanced efficacy vs tirzepatide ($1,088-$1,349/month). Insurance coverage will depend on FDA label indications and payer negotiations.

Wegovy (semaglutide) is a single-agonist targeting only GLP-1 receptors. Retatrutide is a triple-agonist targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors—boosting appetite suppression AND metabolic rate.

Unknown until FDA approval and label are finalized. Many insurers now cover tirzepatide for weight loss, so retatrutide should have a similar pathway—but it will depend on cost-effectiveness analysis, formulary placement, and prior authorization requirements.

Yes. Retatrutide is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection, the same as Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Zepbound. You inject it yourself at home using a pre-filled pen.

Yes. Phase 3 trials showed 80% reduction in liver fat for NASH (fatty liver disease) and significant improvements in blood sugar control. Eli Lilly is pursuing FDA approval for both obesity and NASH indications.

FDA-approved alternatives available today include semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound). Both deliver 15-22% weight loss and are accessible via telehealth providers. See your options here.

No. Compounding pharmacies can only make FDA-approved drugs that are in shortage. Since retatrutide isn't FDA-approved at all, compounded versions are not legal in the U.S. Avoid any supplier claiming to sell 'compounded retatrutide.'

Eli Lilly's Phase 3 trials have completed enrollment. Check clinicaltrials.gov for any post-marketing or Phase 4 studies that may be recruiting after FDA approval.

Like all GLP-1 drugs, retatrutide will carry an FDA black box warning due to thyroid C-cell tumors in rodent studies. However, no human cases have been definitively linked to GLP-1 drugs after 15+ years of semaglutide use. Avoid if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer.

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