Lilly announced positive topline results from TRANSCEND-T2D-2, a randomized Phase III trial involving 1,298 adults with type 2 diabetes, comparing investigational retatrutide with Novo Nordisk's Ozempic 2 mg.
At 80 weeks, retatrutide 9 mg and 12 mg reduced HbA1c by an average of 2.2 percentage points, compared with 1.8 percentage points for Ozempic.
Average weight loss reached 19.5% and 20.9% with retatrutide 9 mg and 12 mg, respectively, versus 9.4% with Ozempic.
Adverse-event-related discontinuation rates were 4.8% and 7.9% with retatrutide, compared with 2.7% for Ozempic; detailed results remain pending peer-reviewed publication. Lilly Investor Relations
Primary source: Lilly — TRANSCEND-T2D-2 Phase III Results, October 28
Why it matters strategically
The significance is the direct comparison against an established, reimbursed treatment.
Retatrutide is a triple GIP/GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist, while semaglutide acts through GLP-1 receptor agonism.
The trial provides evidence of superior glycemic and weight-loss outcomes in the studied population.
However, superiority in these endpoints does not automatically establish superiority in cardiovascular outcomes, long-term safety, or overall economic value.
The comparison also concerns Ozempic 2 mg specifically. It does not establish superiority over every semaglutide formulation or competing incretin treatment.
