Medical Researcher · Western University of Health Sciences
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Jonathan Snipes, MD · Kim Callender, NP (FNP-BC)
Last medically reviewed: October 15, 2026 · This page is informational and does not constitute medical advice.
Retatrutide is an investigational triple agonist of the GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors, in late-phase clinical trials with the largest weight-loss results observed to date for an incretin therapy.
Retatrutide is an investigational triple agonist of the GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors, in late-phase clinical trials with the largest weight-loss results observed to date for an incretin therapy. Mechanism: GLP-1 / GIP / Glucagon triple agonist. Typical route: Subcutaneous injection (weekly). FDA status: Not FDA-approved. In Phase 3 development by Eli Lilly. FDA says retatrutide cannot be used in compounding under federal law (FDA GLP-1 page, current as of October 1, 2026).
Drug classGLP-1 / GIP / Glucagon triple agonist
Half-life~6 days
RouteSubcutaneous injection (weekly)
Phase 2 doses1, 4, 8, 12 mg/week
FDA statusInvestigational (Phase 3)
Compounded availabilityGenerally not available
Mechanism of action
Retatrutide simultaneously activates three receptors: GLP-1 (appetite suppression, insulin secretion), GIP (insulin sensitivity, lipid metabolism), and glucagon (increased energy expenditure, lipolysis). The triple mechanism is hypothesized to drive greater fat loss than dual GIP/GLP-1 agents like tirzepatide.
Dosing reference
Phase 2 trials used weekly subcutaneous injections at 1, 4, 8, and 12 mg dose levels. Maintenance dosing in development is not yet finalized; the manufacturer has not published a recommended regimen for clinical use.
Dosing information is provided for educational reference and is not medical advice. Patients should not initiate or modify any peptide regimen without consulting a licensed clinician. See our medical disclaimer.
FDA status & regulatory framework
Not FDA-approved. In Phase 3 development by Eli Lilly. FDA says retatrutide cannot be used in compounding under federal law (FDA GLP-1 page, current as of October 1, 2026).
$99 on 6 months · $105 on 3 months · $109 month to month. The same price at every dose and no membership fee (nexlife.us plan page, read November 6, 2026).
Included in the price: the medication, medical guidance from NexLife Medical Group, a GLP-1 nutrition plan, a 1:1 call with a certified wellness coach, 24/7 support and free expedited shipping. Lab work is not listed as included.
Pharmacies named on its plan pages:Absolute Pharmacy (Lutz, FL), Premium Compounding (Decatur, AL) and Boudreaux’s New Drug Store (Lake Charles, LA), described as state-licensed 503A compounding pharmacies.
Trade-offs: compounded semaglutide is not FDA-approved and is not Wegovy or Ozempic. Cash pay only (FSA/HSA cards accepted for eligible portions). Cancellations take effect after 30 days, so one more shipment may be charged. A prescription depends on a licensed clinician’s review.
$119 on 6 months · $125 on 3 months · $129 month to month. The same price at every dose and no membership fee (nexlife.us plan page, read November 6, 2026).
Included in the price: the medication, medical guidance from NexLife Medical Group, a GLP-1 nutrition plan, a 1:1 call with a certified wellness coach, 24/7 support and free expedited shipping. Lab work is not listed as included.
Pharmacies named on its plan pages:Absolute Pharmacy (Lutz, FL), Premium Compounding (Decatur, AL) and Boudreaux’s New Drug Store (Lake Charles, LA), described as state-licensed 503A compounding pharmacies.
Trade-offs: compounded tirzepatide is not FDA-approved and is not Zepbound or Mounjaro. Cash pay only (FSA/HSA cards accepted for eligible portions). Cancellations take effect after 30 days, so one more shipment may be charged. A prescription depends on a licensed clinician’s review.
U.S. telehealth providers that work with Retatrutide
Phase 3 trials are ongoing as of 2026. The earliest realistic FDA-approval timeline is 2027-2028. Watch the Eli Lilly investor announcements for trial readouts and submission timing.
How much weight loss did retatrutide produce in trials?
In the Phase 2 trial published in 2023, the 12 mg dose produced approximately 24% body weight loss at 48 weeks — the largest reduction seen for any GLP-1-class agent to date. Phase 3 results may confirm or moderate this finding.
Jastreboff AM, Kaplan LM, Frías JP, et al.Triple-Hormone-Receptor Agonist Retatrutide for Obesity — A Phase 2 Trial.N Engl J Med. 2023;389(6):514-526.PMID: 37366315
Rosenstock J, Frias J, Jastreboff AM, et al.Retatrutide, a GIP, GLP-1 and Glucagon Receptor Agonist, for People with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo and Active-Controlled, Parallel-Group, Phase 2 Trial.Lancet. 2023;402(10401):529-544.PMID: 37385275
Sources are peer-reviewed where available. PubMed (PMID) links resolve to NCBI's PubMed database. FDA links resolve to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Citations were last verified 2026-05-11.