Benefits:
-Weight loss
-Increases insulin sensitivity
-Stimulates lipolysis and energy expenditure
-Promotes fat oxidation
-Appetite suppression
-Enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion
-Slows gastric emptying, reducing food intake
-Suppresses glucagon secretion
-Promotes satiety through hypothalamic signaling
-Lower blood glucose
It is appropriate to think of retatrutide as the successor to semaglutide for the following reasons. It is a multi-receptor agonist developed by Eli Lilly for the treatment of obesity, type-2 diabetes and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. It is a peptide-based compound that targets three metabolic hormone receptors:
1. GLP-1 receptor (glucagon-like peptide-1)
2. GIP receptor (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide)
3.Glucagon receptor
This triple agonism represents a significant advancement over earlier obesity and diabetes drugs like semaglutide (GLP-1 receptor agonist) and tirzepatide (dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist.
When combined, the anabolic actions (insulinotropic) of GLP-1 and GIP balance the catabolic actions (lipolysis, thermogenesis) of glucagon, leading to unprecedented weight reduction and glycemic control.
In pahse 2 trials retrutide led to up to 24.2% body weight reduction over 48 weeks. It also improved HbA1c, lipid profiles and liver fat content. It has secondary benefits, like assisting with polycystic ovary syndrome. Further investigation here is required however.
Retatrutide
Each unit contains 10mg of Retatrutide. Add 5ml of sterile water for injection, or bacteriostatic water, to reconstitute. Once reconstituted the product has a shelf life of 30-60 days.
Retatrutide is generally administered once weekly, at dosages of 1mg per dose, for 12-24 weeks. Dosage can be increased to 2mg after 4 weeks.
In clinical trials the dose was titrated up to 12mg per week, starting at 2mg per week. Individuals in this group lost over 24% of their bodyweight. This dosage is only for high BMI patients. There was a point of diminishing return established around 8mg administered per week.