I think it beats tirzepatide by using 3 paths each at lower doses over just 2? What are the 3 paths it uses?
The three paths are the receptors retatrutide activates: GIP, GLP-1 and glucagon. Lilly describes it as one molecule that hits all three, which is why it's called "triple-G." Each receptor has its own effects. GLP-1 slows stomach emptying and curbs appetite, GIP adds to insulin release and appetite effects, and glucagon raises energy expenditure and fat breakdown. The trial doesn't tell us how much each one contributed, though, because it tested the whole molecule.
Two details differ from the premise. First, the comparison was with Ozempic (semaglutide 2 mg), not tirzepatide, which is Mounjaro and hits only GIP and GLP-1. Second, the doses weren't lower: the trial tested 9 mg and 12 mg. The 12 mg dose is the one that met the primary endpoint.
The result rests on one topline release from Lilly, TRANSCEND-T2D-2, reported October 28, 2026. It had about 1,300 adults with type 2 diabetes, ran 80 weeks, and was open-label, so patients and doctors knew which drug they were getting. The A1C gap was 2.2 versus 1.8 points. Lilly hasn't yet released full data, so this isn't peer-reviewed. Side effects were higher too: 7.9% of people on the top dose stopped because of adverse events, versus 2.7% on Ozempic. Whether it beats tirzepatide is a separate question that this trial doesn't answer.
For more, see Fierce Biotech's report or Lilly's release.
🕒 As of October 2026
