Eli Lilly will file for regulatory approval of its next-generation obesity drug, retatrutide, in the first quarter of 2027.
Eli Lilly will petition for regulatory approval of its next-generation obesity drug, retatrutide, in the first quarter of 2027. The pharmaceutical company delayed the filing from its original timeline to gather and verify necessary manufacturing and quality-control data. The drug, which targets three hormones related to hunger and metabolism, showed significant success in two recent Phase 3 trials. In one study, adults with obesity and Type 2 diabetes lost an average of 20.8% of their body weight over 80 weeks. A second trial involving patients with severe obesity and cardiovascular disease showed an average weight loss of 22.6%. Retatrutide is expected to be a key pillar in the company's obesity portfolio, following its existing treatments Zepbound and Foundayo. While the drug produces common side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and constipation, it offers more potent effects on appetite than many current treatments. Analysts view the drug as a critical tool for Eli Lilly to maintain its market share in the booming weight-loss sector.