The TRANSCEND-T2D Trial: Retatrutide's Diabetes Evidence

Part of the DietApp.com GLP-1 Trial Database, a comprehensive, regularly reviewed resource.

What It Is

TRANSCEND-T2D-1 is the first completed Phase 3 trial specifically evaluating retatrutide, Eli Lilly's investigational triple hormone receptor agonist, in adults with type 2 diabetes, distinct from the TRIUMPH program, which focuses on obesity without diabetes. It enrolled 537 participants with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes despite diet and exercise, randomized to retatrutide at 4, 9, or 12 mg, or placebo, over 40 weeks.

Key Results

Retatrutide reduced A1C by an average of 1.7 to 2.0 percentage points across doses at 40 weeks, the trial's primary endpoint. Participants on the 12 mg dose lost an average of 16.8% of body weight, about 36.6 pounds, with no weight loss plateau observed through the full 40-week period, meaning weight loss was still continuing when the trial measurement ended.

Why a Separate Diabetes Trial Matters

Since retatrutide is not yet FDA-approved for any indication, TRANSCEND-T2D-1 is a key piece of evidence specifically supporting a future diabetes indication, separate from the obesity evidence in TRIUMPH-1. Having both populations studied separately gives more precise evidence for how retatrutide might eventually be approved and used differently depending on a patient's specific condition, similar to how semaglutide and tirzepatide each have separate approvals for diabetes versus weight management today.

Current Status

Retatrutide remains investigational and is not available by prescription. TRANSCEND-T2D-1's results, alongside TRIUMPH-1's obesity data, are expected to factor into Eli Lilly's anticipated NDA filing in late 2026.

References

• Eli Lilly and Company: TRANSCEND-T2D-1 Topline Results (March 2026)
• PubMed: Efficacy and Safety of Retatrutide in Type 2 Diabetes, TRANSCEND-T2D-1 Trial

Related Resources

• Retatrutide Medication Guide

Related Articles

• The TRIUMPH Trials
• What Is A1C and Why Does It Matter on a GLP-1 Medication?

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DietApp.com combines evidence-based GLP-1 medication education with practical treatment tracking tools. The information on DietApp.com is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Last medically reviewed and updated: July 11, 2026.