Retatrutide for Chronic Kidney Disease and Obesity

This trial tests a new treatment called retatrutide (a GLP-1/GIP/glucagon tri-agonist) to assess its effects on kidney function in individuals who are overweight or have obesity and chronic kidney disease. Researchers aim to determine if retatrutide can improve kidney health, regardless of Type 2 Diabetes status. Participants will receive either retatrutide or a placebo (a substance with no therapeutic effect) for comparison. Those with chronic kidney disease and a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or higher might be suitable candidates. As a Phase 2 trial, this research focuses on evaluating the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group, offering participants a chance to contribute to important medical advancements.

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it does require that if you have Type 2 Diabetes, you should be on stable doses of up to 3 oral antihyperglycemic medications, with or without basal insulin, for at least 90 days before screening. Certain diabetes medications like DPP4 inhibitors and rapid-acting insulins should not have been used in the 90 days before screening.

Research has shown that retatrutide is as safe as other hormone-based treatments. In earlier studies focused on weight loss, participants generally tolerated retatrutide well. The side effects were manageable and similar to those of other treatments in the same category.

The studies reported that while some participants experienced side effects, they were not severe. Most side effects related to digestion, which is common with hormone treatments.

Retatrutide is unique because it targets both obesity and chronic kidney disease with a novel mechanism. Unlike traditional treatments that typically focus on either metabolic issues or kidney function separately, retatrutide works as a multifunctional peptide agonist, which can potentially improve both conditions simultaneously. Researchers are excited about this treatment because its dual-action approach could lead to more comprehensive health benefits, offering hope for better management of these interconnected health problems. Additionally, retatrutide is administered subcutaneously, which might provide a convenient and effective alternative to current oral or intravenous therapies.

Research has shown that retatrutide, which participants in this trial may receive, offers promising results for treating obesity. In one study, adults with obesity who took retatrutide for 48 weeks lost a significant amount of weight. Retatrutide targets three different areas in the body to help manage weight and related health issues. While more data continues to emerge, similar treatments have improved kidney health by addressing issues like high blood sugar. These early findings suggest that retatrutide could potentially help people with both chronic kidney disease and obesity.¹³⁵⁶⁷