Lilly Retatrutide Doubles Ozempic Weight Loss in Trial

Eli Lilly announced Wednesday Phase 3 TRANSCEND-T2D-2 results in 1,298 adults with type 2 diabetes: retatrutide patients lost 44.3 pounds on 9 mg and 47.4 pounds on 12 mg over 80 weeks, versus 20.9 pounds on Ozempic 2 mg. Lilly reported A1C reductions of 2.2 percentage points on either retatrutide dose versus 1.8 on Ozempic, and greater improvements in cholesterol, triglycerides and systolic blood pressure. Retatrutide targets GLP-1, GIP and glucagon receptors; Ozempic targets GLP-1 only. "We believe retatrutide, if approved, could shift the treatment paradigm for people living with type 2 diabetes, obesity and related cardiometabolic conditions," said Kenneth Custer, president of Lilly Cardiometabolic Health. Lilly said side effects were generally similar, with slightly more diarrhea and higher dysesthesia on retatrutide, more constipation on Ozempic, and more frequent discontinuations due to adverse events on retatrutide, especially at 12 mg. The drug is not FDA-approved; Lilly plans to submit in early 2027 and said anyone purporting to sell retatrutide to consumers is breaking the law. Results are not peer-reviewed and preceded Thursday earnings. Q2 Mounjaro sales rose 91% to $9.94 billion; Zepbound rose 46% to $4.93 billion. WHAT'S CONTESTED: The record shows no dispute on the trial figures Lilly released.