Retatrutide

Retatrutide works by activating certain hormones and receptors in the body that help control how hungry and full an individual feels, preventing the need to eat for extended periods:

• Insulinotropic Polypeptide, which affects how much insulin is secreted from the pancreas in response to the ingestion of carbohydrates and fats, prevents spikes in blood glucose levels that can trigger hunger.
• Glucagon-like peptide 1 (also known as GLP-1) affects glucose metabolism by triggering the secretion of insulin and reducing the body’s levels of glucagon, the hormone that raises blood sugar levels.
• Glucagon receptors bind to glucagon to regulate blood glucose levels, thereby modulating the body’s metabolism.

The effect of Retatrutide on the above-mentioned hormones and receptors makes it a substantially better weight loss treatment than current alternatives, according to the latest scientific research.

Retatrutide supports weight loss by suppressing appetite, thereby assisting individuals in reducing their overall food consumption and daily calorie intake. This effect is primarily due to its action on the GLP-1 receptor, which promotes satiety and reduces hunger.

Additionally, Retatrutide speeds up metabolism by targeting the GLP-1 receptor, the GIP receptor, and the glucagon receptor simultaneously. This combined action creates a synergistic effect that boosts metabolic rate, enhances fat burning, and improves overall metabolic health.

In Lilly’s 48-week medical study involving 338 participants with obesity or overweight but without diabetes, participants achieved a mean weight reduction of up to 17.5% by week 24 and up to 24.2% by week 48.

It was reported that participants had not reached a weight plateau by the end of the study, suggesting that full weight reduction efficacy had not been achieved.

Longer duration phase 3 trials will allow for a comprehensive evaluation of the efficacy and tolerability of this potential pharmacotherapy for the treatment of obesity.

Retatrutide is still in development and is not currently available for purchase. It may be several years before it is available to buy in the UK. In the meantime, Orlistat is a good alternative for those seeking weight management options.

As with any medication, individual experiences with side effects can vary. It is important to discuss potential concerns and side effects with a healthcare provider before starting Retatrutide.

Clinical studies indicate that Retatrutide’s safety profile is comparable to other incretin-based therapies. The most commonly reported adverse events were gastrointestinal side effects, which were generally mild to moderate in severity and typically occurred during the dose escalation period.

Retatrutide is still in development and the recommended dosing regime has not yet been released, although Lilly’s phase 2 study investigated several dosing regimens.

Participants received Retatrutide at doses of 1 mg, 4 mg, 8 mg, or 12 mg, administered subcutaneously once weekly for 48 weeks. The study used a dose-escalation approach to help minimise side effects, starting with lower initial doses before increasing to the target dose. The exact dosing schedule may be subject to change after further clinical studies are conducted.

It is also important to note that an individual’s recommended dose depends on various factors, such as their overall health, medical history, response to the medication, and any potential side effects experienced.

No, Retatrutide and Ozempic operate through different mechanisms, with Retatrutide impacting a greater number of hormones in the body.

Retatrutide affects Insulinotropic Polypeptide (a hormone produced in the small intestine that regulates the secretion of insulin), glucagon-like peptide 1 (a hormone that affects glucose metabolism), and glucagon receptors (proteins located on the surface of cells that bind to a hormone called glucagon which helps regulate blood glucose levels). In contrast, Ozempic only affects glucagon-like peptide 1.

Wegovy and Retatrutide are both classified as GLP-1 receptor agonists but they differ in their mechanisms of action and approval for sale as weight loss treatments in the UK.

Wegovy contains the active ingredient semaglutide, which mimics a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone helps regulate appetite by increasing feelings of fullness and reducing hunger.

In contrast, Retatrutide mimics three different hormones that influence pathways involved in glucose metabolism and weight regulation. However, it is not approved for sale as a weight loss treatment in the UK, whereas Wegovy is licensed in the UK as a weight loss treatment and will be available to our patients at Pharmica soon, subject to completing a free online weight loss treatment consultation.

Mounjaro and Retatrutide are GLP-1 receptor agonists that differ in their scientific mechanisms and approval as weight loss treatments in the UK.

Mounjaro contains the active ingredient tirzepatide, which mimics the hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), signalling feelings of fullness and reducing hunger.

It is licensed and approved as a weight loss treatment in the UK and will be made available at Pharmica to eligible patients who complete our free online consultation for weight loss treatment.

In contrast, Retatrutide mimics three different hormones, namely GLP-1, GIP and glucagon. While this broader mechanism of action is thought to influence multiple pathways involved in glucose metabolism and weight regulation, the treatment is not licensed as a weight loss medication in the UK.

Studies on the efficacy of Retatrutide are still ongoing, however, the current understanding is that Retatrutide can yield greater weight loss than Semaglutide treatments such as Wegovy.

Retatrutide is a triple agonist that affects three different receptors: GLP-1, GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide), and glucagon receptors. This broader mechanism of action allows it to influence multiple pathways involved in glucose metabolism and weight regulation, potentially resulting in a bigger impact on weight management than Semaglutide, which only affects one pathway.