Lilly’s Retatrutide Achieves Major Weight Loss, Eases Osteoarthritis Pain in Phase 3 Trial
In a significant advancement for the treatment of obesity and knee osteoarthritis, Eli Lilly and Company released positive findings from the Phase 3 TRIUMPH-4 clinical trial. This study illustrated the transformative potential of retatrutide, a novel medication targeting multiple hormone receptors. Participants reported notable reductions in body weight and pain associated with osteoarthritis.
Key Findings from the TRIUMPH-4 Trial
The TRIUMPH-4 trial evaluated 445 adults suffering from obesity and knee osteoarthritis. These individuals were treated with two doses of retatrutide—9 mg and 12 mg. The trial lasted 68 weeks and aimed to determine the drug’s efficacy as an adjunct to a healthy diet and physical activity.
- Participants taking retatrutide 12 mg lost an average of 28.7% of their body weight, equating to 71.2 lbs.
- Those on retatrutide 9 mg experienced a weight loss of 26.4%, or approximately 64.2 lbs.
- In terms of pain relief, both dosages significantly reduced the WOMAC pain score, with reductions of 4.5 points (75.8%) for the 12 mg dose and 4.4 points (74.3%) for the 9 mg dose.
Improvements in Physical Function
Additionally, retatrutide showed promise in enhancing physical function among participants. Over 14% of individuals treated with the highest dose reported being completely free of knee pain by the trial’s conclusion.
Future Implications and Trials
The results from TRIUMPH-4 are encouraging, leading experts to believe that retatrutide may become a vital option for individuals facing obesity-related complications. Kenneth Custer, Ph.D., emphasized the impact of these findings on improving the quality of life for affected patients. Lilly anticipates results from seven further Phase 3 trials related to retatrutide to be concluded by 2026.
Adverse Events
Common side effects associated with retatrutide included nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting, though these were generally manageable. The discontinuation rates due to adverse events were consistent across both retatrutide groups and the placebo group.
Conclusion
Overall, the TRIUMPH-4 trial highlights the potential of retatrutide as a groundbreaking therapy for individuals grappling with obesity and knee osteoarthritis. As further results from the research program are awaited, it appears that retatrutide could play a significant role in transforming treatment approaches for these conditions, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life.
