Retatrutide TRIUMPH-2/3: Up to 22.6% Weight Loss | Denver
Eli Lilly’s retatrutide just got more interesting. Two new Phase 3 trials—TRIUMPH-2 and TRIUMPH-3—delivered results that matter for the patients I see most: people with obesity complicated by type 2 diabetes or established cardiovascular disease. The triple GIP/GLP-1/glucagon agonist achieved up to 22.6% body weight reduction in these groups, with meaningful cardiometabolic improvements across the board.
Lilly plans a BLA submission to the FDA in Q1 2027.
The Numbers
TRIUMPH-2: Obesity + Type 2 Diabetes
- Retatrutide 12mg: 20.8% weight loss (-49.6 lbs) at 80 weeks
- Placebo: 4.0% weight loss
- Also: 1.5% A1C reduction — significant glucose control alongside weight loss
TRIUMPH-3: Severe Obesity + Established Cardiovascular Disease
- Retatrutide 12mg: 22.6% weight loss (-55.8 lbs) at 80 weeks
- Placebo: 3.2% weight loss
- This population is typically excluded from GLP-1 trials — until now
Cardiovascular markers in TRIUMPH-3:
- 37% triglyceride reduction
- 16.5% non-HDL cholesterol reduction
- 9.3 mmHg systolic BP reduction
- 51% hsCRP reduction (inflammation marker)
The MACE-5 analysis showed a favorable trend (HR 0.82) but wide confidence intervals — this trial wasn’t powered as a primary CV outcomes study.
What This Means for Denver Patients
Colorado ranks among the top states for cardiovascular disease prevalence. University of Colorado School of Medicine (Aurora) is a major contributor to obesity medicine research. For Denver-area patients managing both obesity and cardiometabolic disease, these results are directly relevant.
A Colorado patient with BMI 38 and a history of hypertension or early heart disease would have been excluded from most prior GLP-1 trials — but fits the TRIUMPH-3 enrollment profile. That’s the population I see every day at CNC.
Clinical Takeaway
Retatrutide’s triple agonist mechanism appears to excel in populations where single or dual agonists show more modest results. The 80-week data suggest this could become an important option for patients with obesity + T2D or CVD — two groups with high unmet need.
If approved, it would be the first-in-class GIP/GLP-1/glucagon triple agonist for obesity. Accessibility and cost will determine who gets access first.
For Coloradans managing this combination of conditions, the TRIUMPH-2 and TRIUMPH-3 results are worth discussing at your next visit.
Research Brief | Dr. Ethan Lazarus, MD | Clinical Nutrition Center | August 5, 2026
Sources: Eli Lilly Press Release via PRNewswire (July 23, 2026); HCPLive (July 23, 2026)