Eli Lilly’s Retatrutide Cuts 16.8% Body Weight, Reduces A1C by 2%
In the Phase 3 TRANSCEND-T2D-1 trial, Eli Lilly’s retatrutide 12 mg dose achieved 36.6 lb (16.8%) average weight loss and up to 2% A1C reduction over 40 weeks, improving cholesterol and blood pressure. HSBC downgraded the stock to sell, warning market expectations are 'priced to perfection' and revenue potential may lag.
1. Phase 3 TRANSCEND-T2D-1 Trial Results
Eli Lilly reported that retatrutide, a triple agonist targeting GIP, GLP-1 and glucagon receptors, met all primary and key secondary endpoints in adults with type 2 diabetes over 40 weeks. Participants on the 12 mg dose lost an average of 36.6 lb (16.8% of body weight) and saw A1C reductions of 1.7%–2.0%, with no weight-loss plateau.
2. Safety Profile and Tolerability
The most common adverse events were nausea, diarrhea and vomiting, primarily during dose escalation. Discontinuation rates due to side effects ranged from 2.2% to 5.1% across retatrutide doses, with no discontinuations in the placebo group.
3. Market Reaction and Analyst Downgrade
Shares were little changed after the data release. HSBC downgraded Eli Lilly’s stock to sell, citing concerns that market expectations are already 'priced to perfection' and that long-term revenue from weight-loss therapies may underdeliver.