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May 28, 20265 views2 min read

Eli Lilly Drug Retatrutide Shows 28 Percent Weight Loss in New Trial Data

Eli Lilly's experimental drug retatrutide produced up to 28 percent weight loss in clinical trial participants, according to data released May 26, 2026. The results outperform current GLP-1 medications and could reshape obesity treatment if the drug wins FDA approval.

Eli Lilly Drug Retatrutide Shows 28 Percent Weight Loss in New Trial Data
Source:Healthline

Eli Lilly released new clinical trial data Monday showing its experimental weight loss drug retatrutide produced average weight loss of up to 28 percent in participants over 48 weeks, surpassing results seen with current GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy.

The drug targets three hormone receptors simultaneously, compared to one or two for existing treatments. Researchers say the triple-action approach appears to produce stronger and more sustained weight loss.

Participants in the highest-dose group lost an average of 58 pounds over the trial period. Side effects were similar to those seen with other GLP-1 drugs, primarily nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort.

Eli Lilly has not yet filed for FDA approval. The company said it plans to submit a new drug application later in 2026 based on the full trial dataset.

Obesity medicine specialists called the results significant. "If these numbers hold up in larger populations, this would be the most effective obesity drug we have ever seen," said Dr. Ania Jastreboff of Yale School of Medicine.

The announcement sent Eli Lilly's stock up more than 6 percent on Monday. The company already markets tirzepatide, sold as Mounjaro and Zepbound, which produces weight loss of around 20 percent.

Experts caution that drug cost and insurance coverage remain major barriers to access for many patients.

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