Semaglutide, Tirzepatide and Retatrutide Research

Semaglutide, tirzepatide and retatrutide differ in their receptor targets. Understanding those targets helps explain the research questions, but counting receptors does not tell us which treatment is right for an individual.

One, two and three receptor targets

• Semaglutide: GLP-1 receptor agonism.
• Tirzepatide: GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonism.
• Retatrutide: GIP, GLP-1 and glucagon receptor agonism.

Glucagon is a separate receptor target; it should not be grouped under the term “incretin receptors”.

Results from separate clinical trials

Trials differ in participants, duration, comparator, dose and analysis method. Results from separate trials are not a head-to-head test and cannot establish that adding a receptor caused a larger effect.

Lilly reported a mean 28.3% weight reduction at 80 weeks for the highest retatrutide dose in its Phase 3 TRIUMPH-1 announcement. That is a company-reported trial result, not a prediction for an individual or evidence about a research vial. Read the primary company announcement and its study details.

Medicines and research materials

Clinical results relate to the formulations and protocols studied. A research material sold under a molecule's name is not interchangeable with an approved medicine. This comparison does not provide a dosing or titration schedule.

Read further

Explore the research overviews for semaglutide, tirzepatide and retatrutide.

For laboratory research use only. Not medical advice or a recommendation to use any compound.