Long-term effects of retatrutide with type 2 diabetes mellitus? Research
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The long-term effects of retatrutide use in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are promising, particularly in terms of glycemic control, weight reduction, and cardiometabolic improvements. Retatrutide, a triple agonist targeting GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptors, has demonstrated significant reductions in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and body weight in phase 2 trials. These benefits are accompanied by improvements in cardiometabolic parameters, including reductions in blood pressure, fasting glucose, insulin levels, and lipid profiles.[1-2]
However, the potential side effects of retatrutide warrant careful consideration. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation are the most common adverse events, occurring primarily during dose escalation.[1-2] These symptoms are generally mild to moderate and are more frequent at higher doses.[2] Additionally, retatrutide has been associated with dose-dependent increases in heart rate and mild to moderate cardiac arrhythmias, raising concerns about cardiovascular safety.[3-4] These effects are similar to those observed with other GLP-1 receptor agonists.[2]
Long-term cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs) are essential to fully understand the safety profile of retatrutide, particularly concerning its impact on heart rate and cardiac arrhythmias.[3] While retatrutide shows promise in managing T2DM and obesity, ongoing trials are needed to refine its dose-escalation scheme and further investigate its long-term effects.[2][5] Overall, retatrutide represents a transformative therapeutic option, but its long-term safety and efficacy require continued exploration in clinical practice.
1. Retatrutide, a GIP, GLP-1 and Glucagon Receptor Agonist, for People With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo and Active-Controlled, Parallel-Group, Phase 2 Trial Conducted in the USA. Rosenstock J, Frias J, Jastreboff AM, et al. Lancet (London, England). 2023;402(10401):529-544. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(23)01053-X.
Leading Journal
2. Triple–Hormone-Receptor Agonist Retatrutide for Obesity — A Phase 2 Trial.
Jastreboff AM, Kaplan LM, Frías JP, et al. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2023;389(6):514-526. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2301972. Leading Journal
3. Retatrutide: A Triple Incretin Receptor Agonist for Obesity Management.
Ray A. Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs. 2023 Jul-Dec;32(11):1003-1008. doi:10.1080/13543784.2023.2276754.
4. Retatrutide Showing Promise in Obesity (And Type 2 Diabetes).
Doggrell SA. Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs. 2023 Jul-Dec;32(11):997-1001. doi:10.1080/13543784.2023.2283020.
5. The Power of Three: Retatrutide's Role in Modern Obesity and Diabetes Therapy.
Abdul-Rahman T, Roy P, Ahmed FK, et al. European Journal of Pharmacology. 2024;985:177095. doi:10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.177095.