Peptide Comparison

DulaglutidevsRetatrutide

Once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist Fc-fusion protein (Trulicity) that reduces HbA1c by 1.5–1.9%, promotes 3–4.6 kg weight loss, and demonstrated cardiovascular event reduction in the REWIND trial — available in convenient pre-filled autoinjector with no reconstitution required

The world's first triple-action weight loss peptide that simultaneously activates three hormone receptors—GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon—delivering unprecedented weight loss results of up to 24% body weight in clinical trials.

Weight ManagementWeight Management

At a Glance

Quick
comparison

Dose Range

Dulaglutide

0.75–4.5 mg

Retatrutide

1–12 mg

Frequency

Dulaglutide

Once weekly

Retatrutide

Once weekly

Administration

Dulaglutide

Subcutaneous injection

Retatrutide

Subcutaneous injection

Cycle Length

Dulaglutide

Ongoing/indefinite

Retatrutide

12+ weeks

Onset Speed

Dulaglutide

Gradual (3-4 weeks)

Retatrutide

Moderate (1-2 weeks)

Evidence Level

Dulaglutide

Strong human trials (Phase 3 or FDA approved)

Retatrutide

Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)

Efficacy

Benefit
ratings

Dulaglutide

Retatrutide

Metabolic

Dulaglutide9%

Retatrutide0%

Weight Management

Dulaglutide8%

Retatrutide0%

Healing & Recovery

Dulaglutide8%

Retatrutide0%

Weight Loss Power

Dulaglutide0%

Retatrutide98%

Metabolic Health

Dulaglutide0%

Retatrutide95%

Appetite Control

Dulaglutide0%

Retatrutide94%

Technical Data

Compound
specifications

Dulaglutide

Molecular Formula

C₂₆₄₆H₄₀₄₄N₇₀₄O₈₃₆S₁₈ (complete fusion protein homodimer)

Molecular Weight

~63 kDa (~59,670 Da per chain)

Half-Life

~5 days (terminal elimination); Tmax ~48 hours; steady state in 2–4 weeks; accumulation ratio 1.56 at 1.5 mg

Bioavailability

47–65% after subcutaneous injection (dose-dependent); apparent clearance 0.142 L/h

CAS Number

923950-08-7

Retatrutide

Molecular Formula

C₂₂₁H₃₄₂N₄₆O₆₈

Molecular Weight

4731 g/mol

Half-Life

~6 days (allows once-weekly dosing)

Bioavailability

High via subcutaneous injection

CAS Number

2381089-83-2

Protocols

Dosing
tiers

Dulaglutide

starting

0.75 mg subcutaneous once weekly

Once weekly

4 weeks minimum (tolerability assessment)

Initiate at 0.75 mg weekly to assess gastrointestinal tolerability. Inject in abdomen, thigh, or upper arm on the same day each week — timing can be changed as long as the last dose was at least 3 days prior. No reconstitution required; use the pre-filled autoinjector pen. If combining with insulin or sulfonylureas, consider reducing their dose to minimize hypoglycemia.

standard

1.5 mg subcutaneous once weekly

Once weekly

Ongoing chronic therapy

Standard maintenance dose for most type 2 diabetes patients. Increase from 0.75 mg after at least 4 weeks if additional glycemic control is needed. This dose provides HbA1c reduction of approximately 1.5% and weight loss of 3.0 kg. The ready-to-use autoinjector pen simplifies administration. No dose adjustment needed for renal or hepatic impairment.

advanced

3.0–4.5 mg subcutaneous once weekly

Once weekly

Ongoing chronic therapy

Higher doses approved in 2020 for patients requiring additional glycemic control. AWARD-11 demonstrated 4.5 mg superiority over 1.5 mg: HbA1c -1.77% vs -1.54% and weight loss -4.6 kg vs -3.0 kg. Titrate from 1.5 mg to 3.0 mg and then to 4.5 mg at minimum 4-week intervals. GI side effects are dose-dependent but generally tolerable with gradual escalation.

Retatrutide

starting

1-2 mg

Once weekly

4 weeks

Start low to let your body adjust. This minimizes the nausea and GI side effects that are most common when starting. Even at this low dose, you'll likely notice reduced appetite.

standard

4-8 mg

Once weekly

8-12 weeks

The sweet spot for most users. Clinical trials showed substantial weight loss at these doses with manageable side effects. Increase gradually (every 4 weeks) to reach this range.

advanced

12 mg

Once weekly

12+ weeks

Maximum studied dose delivering the most dramatic results—up to 24% weight loss. Only reach this after gradual titration and proving tolerance at lower doses. Side effects are more common but still manageable for most.

Applications

Best
suited for

Dulaglutide

Type 2 diabetes patients seeking convenient once-weekly dosing with strong glycemic control

Dulaglutide is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on type 2 diabetes patients seeking convenient once-weekly dosing with strong glycemic control. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.

Patients with established cardiovascular disease or multiple CV risk factors seeking REWIND-proven cardioprotection

Dulaglutide is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on patients with established cardiovascular disease or multiple cv risk factors seeking rewind-proven cardioprotection. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.

Overweight or obese T2DM patients requiring both weight loss and HbA1c reduction

Dulaglutide is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on overweight or obese t2dm patients requiring both weight loss and hba1c reduction. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.

Pediatric patients aged 10–17 with type 2 diabetes (approved indication)

Dulaglutide is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on pediatric patients aged 10–17 with type 2 diabetes (approved indication). Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.

Retatrutide

Significant Obesity Management

If you need to lose a substantial amount of weight, retatrutide is showing unprecedented results. Phase 2 trials demonstrated average weight loss of 24% at the highest dose—that's nearly 60 pounds for someone weighing 250 lbs. No other medication has matched this.

Type 2 Diabetes with Obesity

Retatrutide tackles both problems at once. It dramatically improves blood sugar control (HbA1c reductions of up to 2%) while delivering major weight loss. The dual benefit makes it especially valuable for diabetics struggling with weight.

Metabolic Syndrome Warriors

If you're dealing with the cluster of issues that includes high blood sugar, excess belly fat, abnormal cholesterol, and high blood pressure, retatrutide's triple mechanism attacks multiple aspects of metabolic dysfunction simultaneously.

Fatty Liver Disease (MASLD)

Early research shows retatrutide may significantly reduce liver fat. For people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, this peptide offers hope through weight loss plus direct metabolic improvements that benefit liver health.

Safety Profile

Side
effects

Dulaglutide

Common

Nausea
Diarrhea and abdominal pain
Vomiting
Decreased appetite

Uncommon

Injection site reactions and fatigue

Serious

Acute pancreatitis
Gallbladder disease

Retatrutide

Common

Nausea
Diarrhea
Constipation
Decreased appetite

Uncommon

Increased heart rate
Injection site reactions

Serious

Pancreatitis
Gallbladder problems

Research Status

Safety
& evidence

Dulaglutide

Evidence Level

Strong human trials (Phase 3 or FDA approved)

FDA Status

FDA approved for this use

Safety Overview

Dulaglutide is an FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist carrying a black box warning for thyroid C-cell tumor risk, based on rodent data showing increased medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) in rat models. This risk is contraindicated in patients with personal or family history of MTC or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2. Nausea occurs in 20-40% of patients, particularly dose-dependent and most severe at initiation; gastrointestinal side effects (vomiting, diarrhea) are common. Pancreatitis has been reported in 0.1-0.2% of patients—discontinue immediately if severe abdominal pain develops. Rapid weight loss can trigger gallstone formation. Dehydration risk is significant, especially with concurrent SGLT2 inhibitors. Injection site reactions are mild but frequent.

Contraindications

xPersonal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) — black box warning based on rodent thyroid C-cell tumor data
xMultiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
xKnown serious hypersensitivity to dulaglutide or any excipient
xType 1 diabetes mellitus or diabetic ketoacidosis (not indicated)

Retatrutide

Evidence Level

Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)

FDA Status

Research compound

Safety Overview

Retatrutide has shown a generally favorable safety profile in Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trials involving over 600 participants. Most side effects are gastrointestinal and tend to improve over time. The medication appears well-tolerated when doses are increased gradually. No major safety signals have emerged, but larger Phase 3 trials are still ongoing.

Contraindications

xPersonal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
xMultiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
xPregnancy or planning to become pregnant
xHistory of severe pancreatitis
xKnown allergy to GLP-1 receptor agonists

Decision Guide

Which is
right for you?

Choose Dulaglutide if...

Type 2 diabetes patients seeking convenient once-weekly dosing with strong glycemic control
Patients with established cardiovascular disease or multiple CV risk factors seeking REWIND-proven cardioprotection
Overweight or obese T2DM patients requiring both weight loss and HbA1c reduction
Pediatric patients aged 10–17 with type 2 diabetes (approved indication)

Choose Retatrutide if...

Significant weight loss
Type 2 diabetes management
Metabolic health improvement
Body composition optimization

Full Dulaglutide Profile Full Retatrutide Profile

Peptide Database

Quickcomparison

Benefitratings

Compoundspecifications

Dosingtiers

Bestsuited for

Sideeffects

Safety& evidence

Which isright for you?

Quick
comparison

Benefit
ratings

Compound
specifications

Dosing
tiers

Best
suited for

Side
effects

Safety
& evidence

Which is
right for you?