Comparison

Cagrilintide vs. Retatrutide

Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.

Identity

Mechanism of action

Cagrilintide

Cagrilintide binds amylin receptors (AMY1, AMY3, formed by the calcitonin receptor plus RAMP proteins). Activation delays gastric emptying, inhibits postprandial glucagon secretion and modulates central satiety signalling via area postrema neurons. An acyl modification enables albumin binding and thereby weekly dosing.

Retatrutide

Retatrutide is a 39-amino-acid peptide with agonism at three incretin/energy-balance receptors: GLP-1R (insulin secretion, satiety), GIPR (insulin sensitivity, lipid metabolism) and the glucagon receptor (energy expenditure, lipolysis). The added glucagon activation is intended to raise catabolic energy expenditure while concurrent GLP-1/GIP action compensates the hyperglycaemic effect. Albumin binding via a fatty-acid side chain enables weekly dosing.

Evidence base

Highest evidence

Human RCT

Studies

of which in humans

Effects recorded

Open conflicts

Documented adverse events

Legal status

Country	Cagrilintide	Retatrutide
Germany	Unapproved	Unapproved
DK	Unapproved	—
JP	—	Unapproved
United States	Unapproved	Unapproved

Full entries

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Cagrilintide and Retatrutide?: Cagrilintide is classified as "Metabolic", while Retatrutide is classified as "Metabolic". Cagrilintide: Synthetic long-acting amylin analog being developed in combination with semaglutide (CagriSema). Phase 3 trials for obesity and type 2 diabetes are ongoing. No marketing approval yet. Retatrutide: Synthetic triagonist peptide that simultaneously activates the GLP-1, GIP and glucagon receptors. Developed by Eli Lilly; in phase-3 trials for obesity (TRIUMPH programme) and type 2 diabetes. No marketing approval yet. This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.
Which peptide is better supported by science, Cagrilintide or Retatrutide?: The highest available evidence level is "Human RCT" for Cagrilintide and "Human RCT" for Retatrutide. A higher evidence level means more robust data, but says nothing about suitability for an individual. The full body of evidence is on each peptide's own page.
What is the legal status of Cagrilintide and Retatrutide in Germany and the United States?: Germany: Cagrilintide — Unapproved, Retatrutide — Unapproved. United States: Cagrilintide — Unapproved, Retatrutide — Unapproved. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.

Country

Cagrilintide

Retatrutide

Germany

Unapproved

—

Unapproved

United States

Unapproved

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Cagrilintide and Retatrutide?

Cagrilintide is classified as "Metabolic", while Retatrutide is classified as "Metabolic". Cagrilintide: Synthetic long-acting amylin analog being developed in combination with semaglutide (CagriSema). Phase 3 trials for obesity and type 2 diabetes are ongoing. No marketing approval yet. Retatrutide: Synthetic triagonist peptide that simultaneously activates the GLP-1, GIP and glucagon receptors. Developed by Eli Lilly; in phase-3 trials for obesity (TRIUMPH programme) and type 2 diabetes. No marketing approval yet. This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.

Which peptide is better supported by science, Cagrilintide or Retatrutide?

The highest available evidence level is "Human RCT" for Cagrilintide and "Human RCT" for Retatrutide. A higher evidence level means more robust data, but says nothing about suitability for an individual. The full body of evidence is on each peptide's own page.

What is the legal status of Cagrilintide and Retatrutide in Germany and the United States?

Germany: Cagrilintide — Unapproved, Retatrutide — Unapproved. United States: Cagrilintide — Unapproved, Retatrutide — Unapproved. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.