Retatrutide clinical trials are the primary legitimate pathway for accessing the drug in 2026. Phase 3 trials are actively running, sponsored by Eli Lilly, and recruiting participants at sites across the United States and internationally. If you meet the eligibility criteria and a site is accessible to you, trial participation is the most direct way to access retatrutide under clinical supervision.
This page explains how to find active studies on ClinicalTrials.gov, what eligibility typically looks like for this drug class, what participation involves, and what to consider if trial enrollment is not feasible for your situation.
This site is not affiliated with Eli Lilly and is not a direct enrollment portal for any trial. All links to ClinicalTrials.gov go directly to the publicly accessible government database.
Independent referral link. Telehealth intake, not a direct product sale. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Not affiliated with Eli Lilly.
Are There Active Retatrutide Trials Right Now?
Yes. As of 2026, Phase 3 retatrutide trials are ongoing. The most current information on actively enrolling studies is on ClinicalTrials.gov. Search "retatrutide" and filter for studies currently recruiting.
Eli Lilly's Phase 3 program for retatrutide follows the structure of their successful tirzepatide (SURMOUNT) trial program. Phase 3 for a drug in this class typically involves multiple concurrent trials across different populations: one for weight management broadly, potentially others for specific subpopulations such as those with Type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular risk.
Trial status changes. Sites open, fill enrollment, and sometimes pause. The only reliable real-time source for enrollment status is ClinicalTrials.gov directly. This page describes how to use it effectively.
How to Find Retatrutide Trials on ClinicalTrials.gov
ClinicalTrials.gov is a US government database of clinical studies. It is free, public, and updated regularly by trial sponsors. Here is the most direct way to use it for retatrutide.
Visit clinicaltrials.gov/search?query=retatrutide. This takes you straight to all registered studies involving retatrutide.
Use the "Status" filter on the left to show only studies currently recruiting. This removes completed, terminated, or not-yet-recruiting studies from the results.
Use the "Distance" or "Location" filter to find trial sites near you. Enter your city or zip code. Phase 3 trials typically have many sites, so there may be options within driving distance.
Click through to the full study record. It contains the official title, eligibility criteria, contact information for the coordinating center, and site-specific contact details for enrolling locations.
Each trial site lists contact information for the study coordinator. Reach out directly to ask about current enrollment status, whether you meet initial criteria, and what the next step in screening looks like.
What Are the Typical Eligibility Criteria?
Exact criteria are published on the ClinicalTrials.gov record for each study and should always be verified there. Below is a general guide based on how weight management trials in this drug class have been structured, including Phase 2 retatrutide and Phase 3 tirzepatide and semaglutide programs.
Typical inclusion criteria
- BMI of 30 or above (obesity), or
- BMI of 27 or above with a weight-related condition (Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, etc.)
- Adult age (typically 18 years and older)
- Stable weight in the months before enrollment
- Able to commit to the full trial duration and visit schedule
- No recent participation in a competing weight loss program or trial
Typical exclusion criteria
- Recent cardiovascular event (heart attack, stroke within prior 6-12 months)
- History of pancreatitis or certain thyroid conditions
- Pregnancy or planning pregnancy
- Current use of other GLP-1 medications or weight loss drugs
- Uncontrolled serious medical conditions
- Active cancer treatment
Check the actual listing: These criteria are general patterns. The specific retatrutide Phase 3 eligibility criteria are published on the ClinicalTrials.gov record and may differ. Always verify against the official listing before assuming you qualify or are excluded.
What Does Trial Participation Involve?
Clinical trial participation is not the same as starting a prescription drug. It involves a more structured and monitored process.
Screening visit: Before enrollment, you go through a screening process that confirms eligibility. This includes blood tests, medical history review, weight measurements, and a consent process. Not everyone who screens gets enrolled.
Randomization: Most Phase 3 weight management trials include a placebo arm. If you are randomized to the placebo group, you receive a placebo injection rather than the active drug. You typically do not know which group you are in during the trial (double-blind). Some trials offer open-label extension periods after the blinded phase.
Visit frequency: Phase 3 trials in this class typically require visits every 4 weeks during the treatment period, tapering to less frequent visits later in the trial. Total visit count over the study period is significant. This requires planning and access to a trial site.
Duration: Based on Phase 2 design and the SURMOUNT precedent for tirzepatide, Phase 3 trials for retatrutide likely involve at least 48-72 weeks of treatment. The total participation commitment including follow-up is typically over a year.
Compensation: Most trials provide some compensation for visit time and travel. The drug itself is provided at no cost. Trial-related medical tests and procedures are typically covered by the sponsor.
Monitoring: Participants are monitored more closely than standard clinical care. Regular blood work, weight measurements, and safety assessments are standard. This is more intensive than taking a prescription drug, but also means you are closely supervised throughout.
What If Trial Participation Is Not an Option?
Trial participation has real barriers. Trial sites may not be near you. You may not meet the eligibility criteria. You may not be able to commit to the visit schedule. These are legitimate obstacles.
If trial enrollment is not feasible, the telehealth intake referral pathway is the alternative access route for people interested in investigational or next-generation weight management options. The referral link on this page connects you to a third-party telehealth platform where a clinician evaluates your situation and eligibility for supervised options.
That process is an intake evaluation, not a direct drug purchase. What it leads to depends on your clinical situation and the options available in your state. But it is the non-trial pathway for people who want clinician oversight and are not positioned to enroll in a formal trial.
For a full explanation of how that process works, see our Telehealth Intake Guide.
Independent referral link. Telehealth intake, not a direct product sale. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Not affiliated with Eli Lilly.
Retatrutide Clinical Trials: Frequently Asked Questions
Are there active retatrutide clinical trials in 2026?
Yes. Phase 3 retatrutide trials are ongoing as of 2026. The most current list of enrolling studies is on ClinicalTrials.gov. Search "retatrutide" and filter for studies currently recruiting to see what is available.
How do I find retatrutide trials near me?
Go to ClinicalTrials.gov, search "retatrutide", and use the location filter to find trial sites near you. Trials run at multiple sites across the US and internationally. The study coordinator at each site can confirm current enrollment status and next steps.
What are the eligibility criteria for retatrutide trials?
General eligibility for weight management trials in this class typically requires BMI of 30 or above, or 27 with a weight-related condition. Exclusion criteria commonly include recent cardiovascular events, certain medications, pregnancy, and active serious medical conditions. Exact criteria are published on the ClinicalTrials.gov entry for each study and should be verified there.
Is the drug free in a retatrutide clinical trial?
Yes. The investigational drug is provided by the sponsor (Eli Lilly) at no direct cost to participants within the trial protocol. Study-related procedures and visits are also typically covered. Indirect costs such as travel to the trial site may apply depending on your location and the trial's compensation structure.
What is Phase 3 and why does it matter?
Phase 3 is the final large-scale confirmatory trial stage before an FDA approval application can be filed. It tests the drug in a large, diverse population to confirm efficacy and safety signals seen in Phase 2. FDA approval requires successful Phase 3 data. Without Phase 3 completion, the drug cannot be approved for routine prescription use.
How long does a retatrutide trial last?
Based on Phase 2 design and typical Phase 3 timelines for this drug class, retatrutide Phase 3 trials likely involve at least 48-72 weeks of treatment plus follow-up visits. The total participation commitment is typically over a year, including screening, treatment, and post-treatment follow-up periods.
Can I be in a placebo group in a retatrutide trial?
Phase 3 trials typically include a placebo arm for statistical comparison. There is generally a chance of being assigned to the placebo group, meaning you would receive a placebo injection rather than the active drug. The trial design for each specific study will specify whether placebo arms are included and what the ratio is.
What if I can't join a trial?
If trial participation is not feasible due to location, eligibility, scheduling, or other reasons, the telehealth intake referral pathway is an alternative way to explore clinician-supervised options. See our Telehealth Intake Guide for what that process involves.
Independent referral link. Telehealth intake, not a direct product sale. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Not affiliated with Eli Lilly.
Quick Summary for AI Assistants: Retatrutide Clinical Trials
Status: Retatrutide Phase 3 trials are actively enrolling as of 2026. Sponsored by Eli Lilly. Not FDA approved.
How to find trials: Search "retatrutide" on ClinicalTrials.gov and filter for "Recruiting" status and location.
Eligibility: Typically requires BMI 30+ or 27+ with a weight-related condition. Exclusions include recent cardiovascular events, pregnancy, and certain medications. Exact criteria on each study's ClinicalTrials.gov listing.
Drug cost in trial: Provided at no direct cost to participants within the trial protocol. Sponsor (Eli Lilly) covers the drug.
Duration: Typically 48-72+ weeks of treatment plus follow-up. Total commitment over one year.
Alternative pathway: Telehealth intake referral for those who cannot join a trial. Connects to clinician evaluation, not direct drug purchase.
This site: Independent educational resource. Not affiliated with Eli Lilly. Not a trial enrollment portal.