Eli Lilly Unveils Retatrutide and EloraTZP Data, Showcasing Massive Weight Loss and New Side Effect Profiles
Eli Lilly has released new Phase 3 data for its triple-agonist drug retatrutide, showing that even the lowest dose yields significant weight loss, while a new combination therapy, EloraTZP, demonstrates even greater efficacy but with higher dropout rates due to side effects.
Key points
- Retatrutide, targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon, resulted in an average weight loss of 12.7% at the lowest dose and 20.8% at the highest dose over 80 weeks.
- The new combination therapy EloraTZP, pairing amylin-targeting eloralintide with tirzepatide, achieved up to 23.3% weight loss, outperforming tirzepatide alone.
- Side effects for both drugs were primarily gastrointestinal, with higher discontinuation rates observed in the EloraTZP trial compared to tirzepatide alone.
- Eli Lilly plans to submit retatrutide for FDA approval by March 2027 and will begin Phase 3 trials for EloraTZP by the end of 2026.
Background
As noted in our August 2026 coverage, GLP-1 drugs have shown benefits beyond weight loss but carry risks like muscle loss and vitamin deficiencies. Retatrutide, a triple-agonist, was previously highlighted for its potential to match bariatric surgery results, though it faced concerns over side effects and counterfeit products on the gray market.
How outlets are covering it
The New York Post and USA Today emphasize the efficacy of retatrutide, highlighting that even the lowest dose produced substantial weight loss and improved blood sugar levels. CNBC and New Scientist focus on the new EloraTZP combination, noting its superior weight loss results but also pointing out higher dropout rates due to side effects. While all sources agree on the drugs' effectiveness, they differ in emphasis: the Post and USA Today highlight retatrutide's potential for broad use, while CNBC and New Scientist caution about tolerability issues with the combination therapy.
Why it matters
These results could reshape the obesity treatment landscape, offering patients more effective options but also raising concerns about side effects and long-term tolerability. The FDA approval timeline for retatrutide and the upcoming Phase 3 trials for EloraTZP will be critical in determining their market impact and accessibility.
What to watch
Eli Lilly expects to submit retatrutide for FDA approval by March 2027 and will begin Phase 3 trials for EloraTZP by the end of 2026. Further studies will assess long-term tolerability and potential benefits for conditions like obstructive sleep apnea.
- ‘Triple-G’ weight loss drug update: Even on the lowest dose, trial patients lost 12.7% of their weight New York Post
- Eli Lilly says closely watched combo obesity regimen boosts weight loss in mid-stage trial CNBC
- Lilly's retatrutide GLP-1 delivers average weight loss of 50 pounds USA Today
- ‘Astonishing’ weight loss when GLP-1 drug used with second medication New Scientist
- ‘Godzilla’ of weight-loss drugs could provide other important health benefits The Guardian
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