GLP-1 / incretin
What is Retatrutide?
An investigational single peptide that activates three receptors at once: GIP, GLP-1 and glucagon. Code name LY3437943.
- Class
- Triple incretin/glucagon receptor agonist
- Also known as
- LY3437943
- Type
- Acylated synthetic peptide
- Research stage
- Late-stage clinical trials; not an approved medicine
01 · Classification
What it is
Retatrutide is a synthetic peptide built on a GIP-like backbone and modified so that one molecule binds three related receptors: the GIP receptor, the GLP-1 receptor and the glucagon receptor. A fatty-acid side chain lets it bind albumin in the blood, which gives it a long half-life in study models.
It is one of several "multi-agonist" incretin compounds now in development. Because it hits three targets, it is used in research comparing single, dual and triple receptor activation.
02 · Mechanisms
What has been studied
- GLP-1 receptor: studied for its effects on insulin secretion, gastric emptying and appetite signalling.
- GIP receptor: the second incretin pathway, studied alongside GLP-1 for additive metabolic effects.
- Glucagon receptor: studied for its role in energy expenditure and liver fat metabolism, which is what sets triple agonists apart from dual agonists.
03 · Evidence
Where the research is
Phase 2 clinical results have been published in peer-reviewed journals, and phase 3 programmes are under way. It is not approved for any use in Australia. Research-grade material is a laboratory reagent, not a clinical product.
04 · Primary sources
Read the literature
Search the primary research record directly rather than relying on summaries, including this one.
Research use only
Supplied strictly for laboratory and educational research. Not a therapeutic good, not for human or veterinary use, and not evaluated by the TGA. This overview is not medical advice and gives no dosing or administration guidance.
