— Research monograph
Retatrutide
The first triple GIP/GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist to clear Phase 2 trials.
- Class
- Triple agonist at GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptors (synthetic peptide)
- Half-life (research)
- ~6 days (early clinical pharmacokinetic reports).
- Origin
- Developed by Eli Lilly. First publicly characterized by Coskun et al. in 2022 as the next-generation evolution of the dual-incretin concept embodied in tirzepatide.
- Solubility
- Reconstitutes in bacteriostatic water.
What is Retatrutide?
Retatrutide (research code LY3437943) is a single-molecule triple agonist that activates the GIP receptor, the GLP-1 receptor, and the glucagon receptor. The triple-incretin pharmacology represents an attempt to combine the insulin-sensitizing and appetite-modulating effects of GLP-1/GIP agonism with the energy-expenditure effects of glucagon receptor activation.
The compound is currently in late-stage clinical investigation for obesity and type 2 diabetes. Public literature is concentrated in Phase 1–2 trial reports and preclinical pharmacology.
How does Retatrutide work?
Picomolar-affinity agonist at GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptors. The balanced triple-agonist profile is hypothesized to combine glycemic control (GLP-1/GIP) with increased energy expenditure (glucagon) in metabolic research models.
Research applications
- Triple-incretin pharmacology
- Energy expenditure research
- Comparative incretin-agonist studies
- Metabolic flux models
Handling & reconstitution
Retatrutide ships as a sealed, lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder and is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water for laboratory handling. Reconstitutes in bacteriostatic water. Concentration equals vial mass divided by diluent volume.
See the LY3437943 reconstitution protocol for a step-by-step guide and an interactive research calculator (vial size → diluent → draw volume).
Frequently asked questions
What is Retatrutide?
Retatrutide (research code LY3437943) is a single-molecule triple agonist that activates the GIP receptor, the GLP-1 receptor, and the glucagon receptor. The triple-incretin pharmacology represents an attempt to combine the insulin-sensitizing and appetite-modulating effects of GLP-1/GIP agonism with the energy-expenditure effects of glucagon receptor activation. Merit supplies it as a lyophilized research compound for research use only — not for human or veterinary use.
How does Retatrutide work?
Picomolar-affinity agonist at GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptors. The balanced triple-agonist profile is hypothesized to combine glycemic control (GLP-1/GIP) with increased energy expenditure (glucagon) in metabolic research models. Mechanistic descriptions summarize published preclinical findings and are not clinical claims.
What is the half-life of Retatrutide?
~6 days (early clinical pharmacokinetic reports). Values reflect preclinical or research-context reports, not clinical pharmacokinetics.
How is Retatrutide reconstituted for research?
A lyophilized vial is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water; concentration equals vial mass divided by diluent volume. See the Retatrutide reconstitution protocol for a step-by-step guide and a research calculator.
Is Merit Retatrutide for human use?
No. It is sold strictly for research use only — not for human or veterinary use, and not for diagnostic or therapeutic use. Every lot ships with a certificate of analysis documenting ≥99% HPLC purity.
References
- LY3437943, a novel triple glucagon, GIP, and GLP-1 receptor agonist for glycemic control and weight loss: From discovery to clinical proof of concept. Coskun T, Urva S, Roell WC, et al.. Cell Metabolism, 2022 · PMID 35985340
- Triple-Hormone-Receptor Agonist Retatrutide for Obesity — A Phase 2 Trial. Jastreboff AM, Kaplan LM, Frías JP, et al.. New England Journal of Medicine, 2023 · PMID 37366315
- 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. Rosenstock J, Frias J, Jastreboff AM, et al.. The Lancet, 2023 · PMID 37385280
For research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not FDA-approved. Reference information summarized from published literature — not medical or dosing advice.