Compound comparison
Retatrutide vs Semaglutide
This page sets Retatrutide and Semaglutide side by side using the data recorded on Peptide Science Daily: drug class, mechanism of action, regulatory status by region, the evidence grade assigned here, and the number of clinical trials tracked. It is a neutral, factual comparison and does not rank either compound or recommend one over the other.
Side-by-side comparison
| Attribute | Retatrutide | Semaglutide |
|---|---|---|
| Class | Triple agonist of the GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptors (investigational incretin/metabolic peptide) | Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist |
| Mechanism | In plain terms, retatrutide mimics several natural gut and pancreatic hormones at once to reduce appetite and food intake while affecting how the body handles glucose and energy. | In plain terms, semaglutide copies a natural gut hormone that signals fullness and helps control blood sugar. |
| United States (FDA) | Investigational; not approved. Phase 3 TRIUMPH program ongoing, with a first positive topline readout (TRIUMPH-4) reported in December 2025. | Approved. Ozempic for type 2 diabetes (2017, cardiovascular risk reduction added 2020); Rybelsus oral for type 2 diabetes (2019); Wegovy for chronic weight management (2021) and cardiovascular risk reduction (2024); oral Wegovy for weight management approved in 2025. |
| European Union (EMA) | Not authorized; investigational, no marketing authorization. | Authorized - Ozempic and Rybelsus for type 2 diabetes and Wegovy for weight management. |
| Australia (TGA) | Not entered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG); investigational only and not approved for supply. | Registered on the ARTG - Ozempic for type 2 diabetes and Wegovy for weight management, available on prescription. |
| WADA | Not listed on the WADA Prohibited List. As an investigational incretin-class agent it is not a banned substance; the closely related approved GLP-1 agonists are on WADA's monitoring program rather than prohibited. | Not prohibited. On the WADA Monitoring Program (introduced 2024, continued into 2026); it is tracked but not a banned substance. |
| Evidence grade | B | A |
| Tracked clinical trials | 34 | 500 |
| Full profile | Retatrutide profile | Semaglutide profile |
Common questions
- What is the difference between Retatrutide and Semaglutide?
- Retatrutide is classified as: Triple agonist of the GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptors (investigational incretin/metabolic peptide). Semaglutide is classified as: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. Retatrutide is investigational and is not an approved medicine. Semaglutide is approved for one or more medical uses in at least one major jurisdiction.
- Is Retatrutide or Semaglutide approved?
- Retatrutide is investigational and is not an approved medicine. Semaglutide is approved for one or more medical uses in at least one major jurisdiction. Regulatory status by region is set out in the table above.
- How much clinical trial evidence is tracked for Retatrutide and Semaglutide?
- Peptide Science Daily tracks 34 registered clinical trials for Retatrutide (evidence grade B) and 500 for Semaglutide (evidence grade A).