Dulaglutide vs Retatrutide
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Dulaglutide
Dulaglutide (Trulicity) is a once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist for type 2 diabetes. Its larger molecular size from fusion with an Fc fragment extends half-life and may reduce some GI side effects.
Full details →Retatrutide
Retatrutide (LY3437943) is a first-in-class triple agonist peptide targeting GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptors simultaneously. Developed by Eli Lilly, it is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials and has demonstrated the highest weight loss of any obesity medication to date — up to 28.7% body weight reduction at 48 weeks. The triple-receptor mechanism represents the next evolution beyond dual agonists like tirzepatide.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Dulaglutide | Retatrutide |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 750 mcg–4.5 mg | 4 mg–12 mg |
| Frequency | Less than daily | Less than daily |
| Cycle Length | 12–52 weeks | — |
| Route | subcutaneous | subcutaneous |
| Mechanism | GLP-1 analog fused to a modified human IgG4 Fc fragment, providing extended duration of action. Activates GLP-1 receptors for glucose-dependent insulin secretion and appetite suppression. | Retatrutide is a synthetic peptide that activates three incretin/metabolic hormone receptors: (1) GLP-1 receptor — appetite suppression, insulin secretion, delayed gastric emptying, (2) GIP receptor — enhanced insulin sensitivity, improved fat metabolism, (3) Glucagon receptor — increased energy expenditure, hepatic fat mobilization, thermogenesis. The glucagon receptor component is the key differentiator, adding an energy-expenditure mechanism absent from GLP-1 and dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists. The molecule uses a C20 fatty diacid for albumin binding, enabling once-weekly dosing. |
| Typical Dosage | Start at 0.75mg once weekly, may increase to 1.5mg, 3mg, or maximum 4.5mg weekly based on glycemic response. | Phase 2 trial doses: 0.5 mg, 4 mg, 8 mg, and 12 mg weekly. The 12 mg dose produced maximum weight loss (28.7%). Phase 3 trials are evaluating doses up to 12 mg. Dose escalation schedule similar to other GLP-1s (start low, increase every 4 weeks). Final approved dosing not yet established — Phase 3 trials ongoing. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection once weekly, any time of day, with or without food. Comes in pre-filled single-dose pens. | Subcutaneous injection, once weekly. Phase 3 trials use pre-filled single-dose pens. Not yet commercially available — estimated FDA approval ~2027-2028. |
| Side Effects | Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, decreased appetite. Generally well-tolerated with gradual dose titration. | Phase 2 data: nausea (up to 25%), diarrhea (up to 22%), vomiting (up to 15%), constipation, decreased appetite. GI side effects were dose-dependent and generally mild-to-moderate. Lower rates of nausea compared to semaglutide, potentially due to GIP component. Increased heart rate observed at higher doses. |
| Best For |
Key Differences
Unique to Dulaglutide:
Unique to Retatrutide:
Key Studies
Dulaglutide
- Comparative Gastrointestinal Safety of Dulaglutide, Semaglutide, and Tirzepatide in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes.
Annals of internal medicine, 2026
- Mazdutide versus dulaglutide in Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes.
Nature, 2026
- Cardiorenal Outcomes With Tirzepatide Compared With Dulaglutide in Patients With Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease: A Post Hoc Analysis of the SURPASS-CVOT Randomized Clinical Trial.
JAMA cardiology, 2026
Retatrutide
- Retatrutide in type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity: an overview.
Expert review of clinical pharmacology, 2026
- Retatrutide for the treatment of obesity, obstructive sleep apnea and knee osteoarthritis: Rationale and design of the TRIUMPH registrational clinical trials.
Diabetes, obesity & metabolism, 2026
- Rationale, design and baseline characteristics of the TRANSCEND-CKD trial of retatrutide in patients with chronic kidney disease.
Nephrology, dialysis, transplantation : official publication of the European Dialysis and Transplant Association - European Renal Association, 2026
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