Unlike existing medications that target one or two hormone pathways, retatrutide acts on three hormones involved in appetite regulation, blood-sugar control and metabolism. The drug mimics GLP-1, GIP and glucagon, a combination researchers believe may help explain its strong impact on both weight and glucose levels.

The trial also found improvements in cholesterol levels and blood pressure among participants taking the medication.

Meaningful benefits

While 14 participants experienced serious adverse events during the study, researchers said most side-effects were mild to moderate and eased over time. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and digestive discomfort were the most commonly reported side-effects.

The authors said the drug could offer meaningful benefits for people who need more intensive treatment to manage type 2 diabetes and obesity, although further studies are continuing.

The results follow earlier findings from the drug's manufacturer, Eli Lilly, which suggested retatrutide was highly effective in helping people with obesity lose weight.

Independent experts welcomed the findings but urged caution.

Dr Kath McCullough, special adviser on obesity at the Royal College of Physicians, described the results as encouraging and said treatments such as retatrutide could be life-changing for many people living with obesity and diabetes.

However, she stressed that medication alone is not the answer and that preventing obesity and type 2 diabetes remains the long-term goal, according to The Guardian.

Other researchers noted that direct comparisons with existing drugs such as semaglutide and tirzepatide have not yet been carried out.

Dr Marie Spreckley of the University of Cambridge said the amount of weight loss seen in the study was particularly notable, but added that it remains unclear whether retatrutide is superior, equivalent or inferior to currently available treatments because no head-to-head comparisons were conducted.

Diabetes UK also welcomed the findings, saying the drug appears capable of delivering both weight-loss and blood-sugar benefits, while calling for more research into its long-term effects and effectiveness compared with existing therapies.

Infographic: First at-home coronavirus test approved by US FDA

Get Updates on Topics You Choose