Is Retatrutide FDA Approved? Status & Timeline

No — Retatrutide is not yet FDA approved. Here's the current trial status, what the data shows, and the projected approval timeline.

NOT YET APPROVED
Phase 3 clinical trials; anticipated FDA filing 2026–2027
Projected FDA filing: 2026–2027 | Potential availability: 2027–2028

Current Legal Status

Investigational (not yet FDA approved). Not legally available for human use outside of clinical trials in the US.

Clinical Trial Results

Retatrutide has been studied in multiple clinical trials. Here's a summary of the key findings:

Phase 2 (TRIUMPH-1)
Body weight reduction at 48 weeks

24mg dose achieved mean body weight reduction of 24.2% at 48 weeks — the highest ever recorded for any injectable weight-loss drug in a clinical trial at the time.

Source: NEJM 2023; Eli Lilly TRIUMPH-1
Phase 3 (TRIUMPH-3, ongoing)
Weight loss + cardiovascular outcomes

Phase 3 trials ongoing. Expected to seek FDA approval in 2026–2027.

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05703841

Projected Approval Timeline

2022–2023
Phase 2 results published
Strong weight reduction data established from Phase 2 trial — highest ever for a weight-loss injection at the time
2023–2026
Phase 3 trials underway
Multiple Phase 3 trials including cardiovascular outcomes and broader patient populations
2026–2027
Expected FDA submission (NDA filing)
Manufacturer anticipated to file for FDA approval after Phase 3 completion
2027–2028
Potential FDA approval & market launch
Standard FDA review: 6–12 months from submission. Breakthrough therapy designation could accelerate.

What FDA Approval Will Mean

💊
Prescription access
FDA approval will allow licensed physicians to prescribe it. Telehealth platforms will likely offer it within months.
🏥
Insurance coverage path
Approved drugs can be added to formularies. Coverage won't be automatic — you'll need to meet criteria.
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Compounding availability
Once approved, compounding pharmacies can legally produce it — especially if drug shortages emerge.
Quality assurance
FDA oversight means standardized manufacturing, labeling, and purity requirements that research chemicals lack.

Phase 3 Trial Details

The Phase 3 program is evaluating Retatrutide across multiple trials:

TrialPopulationPrimary EndpointStatus
Phase 2 (TRIUMPH-1)Adults with obesity/overweightBody weight reduction at 48 weeksPublished
Phase 3 (TRIUMPH-3, ongoing)Adults with obesity/overweightWeight loss + cardiovascular outcomesPublished

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Retatrutide FDA approved?

No. As of 2026, Retatrutide is not FDA approved. It is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials. FDA filing is anticipated in 2026–2027.

What phase are Retatrutide clinical trials in?

Phase 2 (TRIUMPH-1): 24mg dose achieved mean body weight reduction of 24.2% at 48 weeks — the highest ever recorded for any injectable weight-loss drug in a clinical trial at the time. Phase 3 (TRIUMPH-3, ongoing): Phase 3 trials ongoing. Expected to seek FDA approval in 2026–2027.

When will Retatrutide be FDA approved?

Based on Phase 3 trial timelines and typical FDA review periods (6–12 months from filing), approval is projected for 2027–2028 if all goes on schedule.

What happens to Retatrutide access after FDA approval?

FDA approval means Retatrutide can be legally prescribed by physicians, dispensed by licensed pharmacies, and eventually covered by insurance. It also unlocks the possibility of compounding pharmacy versions if supply shortages occur.

Can I use Retatrutide before it's approved?

The main legal pathway is enrolling in an active clinical trial. Research-grade versions exist but are sold strictly for laboratory use, not human consumption.

Exploring Retatrutide Access?

See how patients are accessing retatrutide through physician-supervised telehealth and compounding pharmacies.

Not FDA approved. Access requires physician oversight.

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Disclaimer: Regulatory timelines are estimates based on publicly available information. FDA decisions are subject to change. This page is updated periodically but should not be used as the sole source for regulatory decisions.

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