SHREVEPORT, La. – A new drug developed by Eli Lily works in a unique way compared to treatments already on the market, like Ozempic and Mounjaro.
It’s called retatrutide, and what makes retatrutide different is that it targets not just one or two, but three hormone receptors in the pancreas: GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon. These are all naturally occurring hormones that play a big role in regulating blood sugar, appetite, and metabolism.
Drugs that activate the GLP-1 and GIP receptors, like Ozempic and Mounjaro or semaglutide and tirzepatide, help the body produce more insulin, allow cells to absorb more glucose, slow down digestion, and help people feel fuller, longer.
But retatrutide goes a step further by also activating the glucagon receptor and that’s where things get even more interesting.
Catherine Schaefer, physician assistant with Shed It! Weight Loss and Wellness, explains, “then retatrutide which is the newest, you know, kind of latest greatest, it’s working on three receptors. So it’s also working on that hunger hormone glucagon. So really, really helping with, you know, the food noise appetite suppression and just kind of overall how everything is working.”
Insulin and glucagon are key hormones in the pancreas that manage blood sugar. Insulin lowers it, while glucagon raises it by telling the liver to release stored sugar.
Retatrutide activates the glucagon receptor in a way that not only helps balance blood sugar, but also boosts energy use, breaks down fat, and may reduce fat buildup in the liver. Early results of this drug have experts excited about its potential to treat obesity and other conditions.
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