Lilly Introduces Next Generation Weight Loss Drug

Lilly's has introduced a next-gen drug tops Zepbound on weight loss in late-stage osteoarthritis trial.

Lilly's next-gen drug tops Zepbound on weight loss in late-stage osteoarthritis trial- Lilly’s next-gen obesity drug delivers major weight loss in Phase 3 trial, but with many discontinuations. Lilly’s next-gen obesity drug delivers major weight loss in Phase 3 trial, but with many discontinuations. Eli Lilly's newest weight-loss drug relieved pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Eli Lilly shot helped patients lose 29% of body weight.

Designed to target three hormone receptors (GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon) — delivered very strong weight loss results in a late-stage Phase 3 trial. Key highlights: Patients with obesity and knee osteoarthritis lost an average ~28.7% body weight over ~68 weeks on the highest doses — significantly more than with Eli Lilly’s current drug Zepbound. Some patients also experienced meaningful relief from knee pain due to osteoarthritis.

The drug generally outperformed expectations and helped Lilly strengthen its position in the weight-loss market. However, the trial also saw higher rates of treatment discontinuation — often due to tolerability issues — which is expected to be closely monitored in future studies.

Retatrutide is considered a “triple-agonist” because it activates three hormonal pathways.

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) -This multi-hormone approach may help explain its deeper weight loss effects compared with single or dual hormone drugs like Wegovy or Zepbound. Lilly is conducting multiple Phase 3 trials of retatrutide in obesity and type 2 diabetes, with additional data expected throughout 2026. Earlier Phase 2 data showed promising weight reductions at shorter time points.

Related Next-Gen Obesity Drugs in Lilly’s Pipeline-

An investigational once-daily pill (not an injection) that showed weight loss of about ~12.4% at high doses in a pivotal Phase 3 trial (ATTAIN-1).

Regulatory filings are expected by the end of 2025 with potential approval and global launch soon afterward. Lilly is also advancing elorolintide (a different mechanism, targeting appetite regulation) into late-stage trials after promising Phase 2 results. The field of obesity drugs has expanded rapidly with GLP-1 and multi-hormone agents showing strong clinical efficacy. Lilly’s results help it remain competitive with rivals like Novo Nordisk, which is also developing next-generation therapies