Retatrutide vs Survodutide
A neutral, side-by-side comparison of two glp-1 & metabolic peptides — their mechanisms, dosing ranges, administration routes, side effects, and research evidence. For research and educational purposes only.
Retatrutide
Retatrutide (LY3437943) is Eli Lilly's investigational once-weekly triple agonist of the GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptors. Phase 2 data showed 24.2% mean weight loss at 48 weeks; the Phase 3 TRIUMPH program has since reported topline weight loss approaching 28–30% — among the largest reductions recorded for any obesity pharmacotherapy. It is not yet FDA-approved.
Full profileSurvodutide
Survodutide is an investigational dual agonist of the glucagon and GLP-1 receptors, developed by Boehringer Ingelheim and Zealand Pharma. It pairs GLP-1's appetite suppression with glucagon-driven energy expenditure and hepatic fat oxidation — a mechanism especially promising for fatty-liver disease. It is not FDA-approved.
Full profile| Retatrutide | Survodutide | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | GLP-1 & Metabolic | GLP-1 & Metabolic |
| Also known as | LY3437943, Triple G, GIP/GLP-1/Glucagon Receptor Agonist | BI 456906, Glucagon/GLP-1 dual agonist, Zealand/Boehringer dual agonist |
| Evidence | Investigational (in trials) | Investigational (in trials) |
| Dosing range | 2mg–12mg mg, once weekly | 0.3mg–6mg mg, once weekly subcutaneous |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection (weekly) | Subcutaneous injection (weekly) |
| Key side effects | Nausea (most common, dose-dependent), Vomiting, Diarrhea, Constipation | Nausea (dose-dependent, during titration), Vomiting, Diarrhea, Decreased appetite |
| Cited sources | 6 references | 2 references |
Key differences
- Frequency: Retatrutide is typically once weekly; Survodutide is once weekly subcutaneous.
- Research depth: this profile cites 6 sources for Retatrutide vs 2 for Survodutide.
How each works
Retatrutide
Across the Phase 2 trial (NEJM 2023, Jastreboff et al.) and the Phase 3 TRIUMPH registrational program (TRIUMPH-1 through -4), retatrutide has produced dose-dependent weight loss reaching ~28.3% at 80 weeks (TRIUMPH-1, 12 mg) and ~28.7% at 68 weeks in a knee-osteoarthritis population (TRIUMPH-4, 12 mg), alongside improvements in glycemia, blood pressure, lipids, and liver fat. The glucagon component is thought to add energy expenditure on top of the appetite suppression driven by GLP-1 and GIP. As of mid-2026, Phase 3 efficacy figures are topline (press-release/conference level) and not yet published in full peer-reviewed form.
Survodutide
Survodutide activates both the glucagon receptor (increasing energy expenditure and liver fat oxidation) and the GLP-1 receptor (reducing appetite and slowing gastric emptying). Its Phase 3 SYNCHRONIZE-1 obesity trial met its primary endpoint with meaningful weight loss at 76 weeks, and survodutide holds FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation for non-cirrhotic MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis) with moderate-to-advanced fibrosis. As of mid-2026 it remains investigational, with efficacy figures at the topline/conference stage.
This comparison aggregates public research and structured profile data for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and does not recommend either compound for human use. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before considering any peptide.