Forget GLP-1s-GLP-3s show promise in phase 3 weight loss and diabetes trial

Key Points:

• The Phase 3 TRANSCEND-T2D-1 trial published in The Lancet shows that retatrutide, a once-weekly injection, significantly improves blood sugar control and induces substantial weight loss in adults with Type 2 diabetes not adequately managed by diet and exercise alone.
• After 40 weeks, retatrutide reduced HbA1c levels by 1.7% to 1.9%, compared to a 0.8% reduction with placebo, and led to an average body weight loss of 11.5% to 15.3%, versus 2.6% with placebo.
• Retatrutide is a novel GLP-3 agonist that targets three metabolic receptors—GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon—potentially offering greater weight loss benefits by lowering blood sugar, suppressing appetite, and increasing energy expenditure.
• The most common side effects were mild to moderate gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and diarrhea, which tended to improve over time.
• Researchers highlight retatrutide's potential for improving outcomes in patients needing intensive Type 2 diabetes management, with further trials and long-term safety studies ongoing.