Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) has announced that data from a late-stage trial of its next-generation weight loss drug, retatrutide, is expected to be released later in 2025, moving up from the previously projected date in February 2026. This acceleration could allow Eli Lilly to further solidify its position in the competitive weight loss and diabetes treatment market.
The company’s fourth-quarter earnings slides have indicated the release of results from a study focusing on individuals with obesity and osteoarthritis of the knee in 2025. Retatrutide is currently undergoing at least nine clinical trials and stands out due to its unique mechanism of action and potential for increased effectiveness in weight loss compared to existing treatments.
Retatrutide, referred to as the “triple G” drug, imitates three hunger-regulating hormones, glucagon, GIP, and GLP-1. This approach has demonstrated promising effects on appetite control and satiety. In a mid-stage trial involving overweight or obese adults, participants experienced an average weight loss of 24.2%, or 58 pounds, over 48 weeks. In comparison, the placebo group only saw a 2.1% reduction in body weight during the same period. Other drugs from Eli Lilly, such as Zepbound and Mounjaro, mimic only two hunger-regulating hormones, GLP-1 and GIP, and Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy only mimics GLP-1.
