Lilly's experimental diabetes shot retatrutide shows record weight loss in trial

Lilly reported late‑stage results showing its experimental diabetes drug retatrutide produced an average 15.3% body‑weight reduction at the highest dose and lowered A1C by 1.9% over about nine months. The trial also recorded common side effects including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and about 5% of patients on the top dose stopped treatment due to adverse events.

Lilly reported late‑stage trial results for retatrutide that showed larger average weight loss than current marketed drugs in patients with diabetes. The study measured weight change and A1C over about nine months and included treatment discontinuations in its main analysis. Retatrutide is an experimental once‑weekly injection that targets three gut hormones and is being studied for both diabetes and obesity. The company said more detailed results will be presented at an upcoming medical meeting. Key findings: - Patients on the highest dose lost 15.3% of body weight on average using a measure that includes those who discontinued treatment, Lilly said. - A1C fell by 1.9% over about nine months, according to Lilly. - Common side effects were nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, reported in roughly 15% to 27% of patients depending on dose; about 5% on the highest dose stopped treatment because of side effects. - Retatrutide mimics three gut hormones (GLP‑1, GIP and glucagon) and is being evaluated across diabetes, obesity and related conditions. Lilly said it will present fuller data at a medical meeting. - The article mentions Lilly's shares fell less than 1% in pre‑market U.S. trading, and that some analysts estimate sales could exceed $10.6 billion by 2036. Summary: The reported results indicate a larger average weight reduction in this diabetes population than seen with current marketed treatments, alongside notable rates of gastrointestinal adverse events. Lilly intends to present more detailed findings at a medical meeting, and the company said the new data add to evidence it will eventually submit to regulators for review. Additional studies are ongoing and the company plans to share further results in the coming months.