Pramlintide vs Retatrutide
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Pramlintide
Pramlintide (Symlin) is a synthetic analog of amylin, FDA-approved as an adjunct to insulin therapy in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It helps control post-meal blood sugar spikes and promotes modest weight loss.
Full details →Retatrutide
Retatrutide is an investigational triple agonist targeting GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptors. Phase 2 trials showed unprecedented weight loss of up to 24% at 48 weeks, making it potentially the most effective obesity treatment studied.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Pramlintide | Retatrutide |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Mimics amylin's effects: slows gastric emptying, suppresses glucagon secretion after meals, and promotes satiety through central mechanisms. Complements insulin therapy. | Triple receptor activation provides complementary metabolic effects: GLP-1 and GIP reduce appetite and improve insulin sensitivity, while glucagon receptor activation increases energy expenditure and promotes hepatic fat oxidation. |
| Typical Dosage | Type 1: Start 15mcg before meals, titrate to 30-60mcg. Type 2: Start 60mcg, may increase to 120mcg. Always with meal containing 30+ grams carbs or 250+ calories. | Clinical trials used doses from 1mg to 12mg weekly. Optimal dosing still being determined in ongoing Phase 3 trials. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection immediately before major meals. Must reduce mealtime insulin by 50% when starting to prevent hypoglycemia. Never mix with insulin. | Subcutaneous injection once weekly. Currently only available through clinical trials - not yet FDA approved. |
| Side Effects | Nausea (very common initially), headache, anorexia, vomiting, and abdominal pain. GI effects typically improve over time. | Similar GI effects to other incretin-based therapies: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation. Dose-dependent severity. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Both Pramlintide and Retatrutide are commonly used for: