Eli Lilly's Retatrutide Shows Kidney and Weight Benefits in Phase 2 Trial
Eli Lilly's experimental drug Retatrutide shows promising secondary kidney health benefits in a phase 2 trial, significantly reducing urinary protein, blood pressure, and weight.
Retatrutide, developed by Eli Lilly, is emerging as a next-generation weight-loss drug targeting three key hormones, compared to Mounjaro's two and Ozempic's one. New clinical data presented at the American Society of Nephrology meeting in Denver explores its potential impact on kidney health.
Clinical Trial Findings
The TRANSCEND-CKD phase 2 trial evaluated overweight or obese adults with chronic kidney disease, with or without type 2 diabetes. Seventy-five participants received weekly injections of Retatrutide, titrated up to 12 mg, while 71 received a placebo over 24 weeks. The findings were presented by Prof. Hiddo Heerspink from the University of Groningen.
While the primary endpoint regarding kidney filtration rates showed no significant difference compared to the placebo, secondary measures revealed notable improvements:
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Proteinuria: Participants with excess protein in their urine experienced a nearly 54% reduction, compared to about 9% in the placebo group.
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Weight Loss: Participants lost an average of 14 kg, while weight remained unchanged in the placebo group.
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Blood Pressure: Systolic blood pressure dropped by 14 mm Hg, compared to just 1 mm Hg in the control group.
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Renal Hemodynamics: Intراق-renal pressure and fat accumulation around the kidneys decreased.
Limitations and Next Steps
Researchers noted that this was a small, short-term phase 2 trial, and full safety data have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal. Additionally, participants experienced an average heart rate increase of nine beats per minute. Larger, long-term trials are currently underway to determine if Retatrutide can provide long-term renal protection. The drug remains experimental and has not yet been approved for use in any country.
