Description
Retatrutide is a cutting-edge synthetic peptide and the first of a new class of “triple agonists” — a single molecule engineered to engage three metabolic receptors at once: GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon. Developed as Eli Lilly’s LY3437943, it is among the most studied compounds in modern metabolic research and a valuable reference standard for incretin-receptor pharmacology.
Retatrutide Specifications
- Classification: Synthetic GIP / GLP-1 / glucagon (triple incretin) receptor agonist
- Sequence: 39-residue synthetic peptide on a GIP-based backbone with non-coded residues (two Aib, an alpha-methyl-leucine) and a C20 fatty-diacid / AEEA-gamma-Glu albumin-binding side chain
- Molecular formula: C221H342N46O68
- Molecular weight: ~4731.3 g/mol
- CAS number: 2381089-83-2
- Appearance: White to off-white lyophilized powder
- Solubility: Soluble in water and aqueous buffers (e.g., PBS, pH ~7.2)
- Storage: Store lyophilized frozen (at or below -20 °C), protected from light and moisture; avoid freeze-thaw cycles
Research focus
Retatrutide is studied across energy-homeostasis and body-weight regulation models, glucose regulation, incretin-receptor pharmacology (GLP-1R / GIPR / GCGR signaling), metabolic liver-disease (MASLD) models, and the structural biology of class-B GPCR-peptide complexes.
Good to know
- A first-in-class triple agonist: one peptide that simultaneously activates the GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptors.
- Built on a GIP-based backbone with non-natural amino acids (Aib and alpha-methyl-leucine) and a C20 fatty-diacid chain that binds albumin to extend its half-life.
- Cryo-EM structural studies have resolved how a single molecule binds and activates all three receptors — a milestone in incretin pharmacology.
For laboratory reconstitution, pair with our bacteriostatic water.







