Eli Lilly Expands Access to Retatrutide Weight-Loss Drug
Eli Lilly is launching an early access program for Retatrutide, a promising weight-loss drug that has shown record-breaking results in clinical trials. The move follows concerns over a black market for counterfeits.
Eli Lilly has announced the expansion of an early access program for Retatrutide, a drug that has demonstrated the most potent effect to date in treating obesity, leading to an average body weight reduction of approximately 28%.
While the drug is not expected to officially reach the market until late 2027, it has generated significant interest, leading to the emergence of a black market for counterfeits. Recently, a 79-year-old patient received the drug through a "compassionate use" pathway, sparking media speculation that the patient was US President Donald Trump—a claim denied by the White House.
Following increased requests from physicians, Eli Lilly will now provide access to a limited group of patients who meet specific medical criteria but are unable to participate in clinical trials. Eligible patients must have significant obesity and at least two dangerous obesity-related complications, having failed to achieve weight loss goals with maximum doses of existing treatments.
The drug shows impressive response rates: 100% of patients lost at least 5% of their body weight, 93% lost at least 10%, and 83% lost at least 15%.
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