Retatrutide Testing

MW: 4177.63 g/molHalf-life: ~6 daysStatus: Investigational

Triple agonist targeting GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptors (LY3437943). In Phase 3 for obesity.

Mechanism of action

Triple agonist of GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptors (LY3437943). Adding glucagon activity contributes hepatic fat reduction and energy expenditure on top of incretin-driven satiety and insulin response. Phase 2 weight-loss data: ~24% at 48 weeks with the 12 mg dose.

Research areas

  • Obesity (Phase 3 TRIUMPH program)
  • MASH/NASH
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Cardiometabolic disease

Dosing in the literature

Phase 2: 1, 4, 8, 12 mg weekly. Research material commonly sold at 10 mg/vial. Apollo data: median compounded purity ~84%, with frequent contamination from related synthesis intermediates.

For research/informational purposes only — not medical advice.

What we test on Retatrutide

Without a pharmaceutical reference, identity confirmation relies on (1) intact mass within 5 ppm of theoretical, (2) full MS/MS sequence coverage with confirmed Aib positions, and (3) co-injection studies where comparator material is available. Purity by RP-HPLC, aggregation by SEC, free diacid quantified separately.

Standard GLP-1 / Metabolic Panel
  • RP-HPLC purity (UV 214 nm)
  • LC-MS/MS identity (Orbitrap)
  • Counter-ion / residual TFA
  • Water content (KF)
  • Endotoxin (LAL, USP <85>)

Common impurities & failure modes

  • Truncated sequences (multiple positions)

    Long synthesis (39 residues, multiple non-natural amino acids) produces many possible failure points.

  • Free fatty acid

    From incomplete acylation.

  • Diastereomers from racemization

    Long coupling times at certain residues drive epimerization; chiral analysis recommended.

  • Aggregates

    Lipidated peptide forms micelles in solution; SEC-HPLC quantifies aggregate fraction.

Regulatory status

Investigational (Eli Lilly, Phase 3 as of 2025).

Related GLP-1 / Metabolic peptides