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How to Get Retatrutide: Your Options in 2026

Retatrutide is not yet FDA approved. Here's a clear breakdown of your legitimate options, what's coming, and what to watch out for.

Current Status: Phase 3 clinical trials; anticipated FDA filing 2026–2027

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

Option 1: Join a Clinical Trial

The only way to access Retatrutide through an official, regulated channel right now is to enroll in an active clinical trial. Eli Lilly is running Phase 3 TRIUMPH trials for Retatrutide across multiple sites in the US and internationally.

Typical eligibility requirements:
  • BMI ≥ 30, or ≥ 27 with at least one weight-related condition (hypertension, dyslipidemia, etc.)
  • No current or recent use of GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide, tirzepatide, etc.)
  • No personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2
  • No active pancreatitis or severe GI conditions
  • Willing to attend regular in-person study visits
How to find trials: Search ClinicalTrials.gov for "retatrutide" or NCT05703841. You can filter by location to find sites near you. Participation typically includes the drug at no cost, study-related medical care, and sometimes compensation for time and travel.

Option 2: Research Peptide Suppliers

Important legal note: Retatrutide sold by research chemical suppliers is intended strictly for laboratory and research purposes. It is not approved for human use. Purchasing and using it as a human therapeutic may violate FDA regulations. This section is informational only.

A number of US-based peptide research suppliers offer Retatrutide as a research chemical. Quality varies significantly. If you are a researcher evaluating these sources, key quality indicators include:

Third-party COA (Certificate of Analysis)
HPLC purity ≥ 98%, mass spec verification
US-based vendor
Easier recourse if product is mislabeled or contaminated
Transparent sourcing
Vendor discloses peptide origin (domestic synthesis vs import)
No human use claims
Reputable vendors explicitly state 'research use only'

Option 3: Compounding Pharmacies (Not Currently Available)

Unlike semaglutide and tirzepatide — which became available through compounding pharmacies during drug shortages — Retatrutide cannot legally be compounded. Compounding pharmacies can only compound drugs with an FDA-approved reference product, and Retatrutide has none yet.

What this means: Any telehealth platform or compounding pharmacy claiming to offer compounded Retatrutide is operating outside FDA guidelines. This is a significant red flag.

What to Expect When Retatrutide Is Approved

Based on Eli Lilly's projected FDA filing in 2026–2027, here's what access will likely look like post-approval:

1
Prescription required
Available by prescription only — you'll need a qualifying BMI or condition
2
Telehealth availability
Telehealth platforms (Hims, Ro, WeightWatchers, etc.) will likely offer it within 3–6 months of approval
3
Compounding opens up
Once approved, compounding pharmacies can legally copy it — especially if shortages emerge
4
Insurance coverage
Initially expensive without insurance. Coverage will depend on your plan and whether obesity is covered

Alternatives Available Now

If you can't wait for Retatrutide approval, the currently available options with strong clinical backing are:

DrugTypeAvg Weight LossStatus
Tirzepatide (Zepbound)GIP/GLP-1 dual agonist~20–22%FDA Approved
Semaglutide (Wegovy)GLP-1 agonist~15%FDA Approved
RetatrutideGIP/GLP-1/Glucagon triple~24%Phase 3 Trials

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get Retatrutide right now?

Retatrutide is not yet FDA approved. The primary ways to access it are through clinical trials, or as a research chemical from verified peptide suppliers (not for human use).

Is Retatrutide available without a prescription?

Retatrutide is investigational and not available via prescription anywhere. Research-grade versions exist but are sold strictly for laboratory or research use — not for human consumption.

Can I join a Retatrutide clinical trial?

Yes. Eli Lilly is running Phase 3 TRIUMPH trials for Retatrutide. You can search active trials at ClinicalTrials.gov using the identifier NCT05703841 or by searching "retatrutide." Trials typically require BMI ≥ 30 (or ≥ 27 with a weight-related condition) and no recent GLP-1 use.

When will Retatrutide be available to the general public?

Based on current Phase 3 timelines and Eli Lilly's projected FDA filing in 2026–2027, Retatrutide could be available via prescription by 2027–2028 if approved on schedule.

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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Medical Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only. Nothing here constitutes medical advice or a recommendation to obtain any substance outside of legal, approved channels. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider.

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