Editorially reviewed · Last updated May 2026 · How we review
TRIUMPH-3: Retatrutide 24.2% Weight Loss at 72 Weeks (March 2026)
Readout date: March 5, 2026 · 72-week Phase 3 trial · ACC presentation · Cardiovascular-risk population
TRIUMPH-3 is the Phase 3 trial of retatrutide in adults with obesity and elevated cardiovascular risk. The topline results — presented at the American College of Cardiology annual meeting on March 5, 2026 — show an average weight loss of 24.2% over 72 weeks at the 12 mg dose. This is one of the largest average weight reductions reported in any Phase 3 weight-loss trial to date, alongside TRIUMPH-4 (28.7% at 68 weeks).
Headline Results
- Mean weight loss at 12 mg: -24.2% at 72 weeks
- Duration: 72 weeks of treatment (16 weeks titration + 56 weeks maintenance)
- Population: adults with obesity and elevated cardiovascular risk
- Presentation: American College of Cardiology (ACC) Annual Scientific Session, March 5, 2026
- Publication: Full results expected in New England Journal of Medicine (peer-reviewed publication)
Trial Design
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Trial name | TRIUMPH-3 |
| Sponsor | Eli Lilly and Company |
| Phase | 3 |
| Indication | Weight management in adults with obesity and elevated cardiovascular risk |
| Treatment duration | 72 weeks |
| Titration schedule | 2 → 4 → 6 → 9 → 12 mg over 16 weeks |
| Primary endpoint | Percent change in body weight from baseline at 72 weeks |
| Top-line readout | March 5, 2026 (ACC Annual Scientific Session) |
TRIUMPH-3 is one of three Phase 3 registration trials supporting the obesity indication, alongside TRIUMPH-1 and TRIUMPH-2. The cardiovascular-risk population in TRIUMPH-3 will also generate the data Lilly needs to characterize retatrutide's effects on cardiometabolic risk factors — blood pressure, lipids, and inflammatory markers — at scale.
Why TRIUMPH-3 Matters
1. Largest mean weight loss reported in any Phase 3 obesity drug trial at the time of readout. The 24.2% figure exceeds the comparable data from semaglutide's STEP-1 trial (~14.9%) and tirzepatide's SURMOUNT-1 trial (~22.5% at 72 weeks). It is roughly on par with the TRIUMPH-4 result (28.7% at 68 weeks in a knee osteoarthritis population), reinforcing the Phase 2 efficacy signal at registration scale.
2. Cardiovascular-risk population. Patients with elevated cardiovascular risk are typically harder to treat for obesity. A 24%+ weight loss in this population is clinically meaningful and supports the case that retatrutide's benefits translate beyond the most-responsive subgroups.
3. ACC + NEJM track. Presenting at ACC and publishing in NEJM signals that Lilly is positioning retatrutide as a cardiometabolic therapy, not just a weight-loss drug. This matters for downstream indications (cardiovascular outcomes, MASH/MASLD, sleep apnea) and for insurance coverage decisions.
4. Combined with TRIUMPH-4 and TRANSCEND-T2D-1, three Phase 3 trials have now cleared. TRIUMPH-3 is the second of the three "obesity-population" Phase 3 readouts (after TRIUMPH-4). Together they form the backbone of the expected 2026 FDA submission.
How TRIUMPH-3 Fits in the TRIUMPH Program
| Trial | Population | Status (May 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| TRIUMPH-1 | Obesity (basket trial, nested OSA/OA) | Ongoing — primary readout expected 2026 |
| TRIUMPH-2 | Obesity in T2D population (nested OSA) | Ongoing |
| TRIUMPH-3 | Weight management, elevated cardiovascular risk | Completed (Mar 5, 2026) — 24.2% at 72wk |
| TRIUMPH-4 | Obesity + knee osteoarthritis | Completed (Dec 2025) — 28.7% at 68wk |
| TRIUMPH-5 | MASH / MASLD | Ongoing |
| TRANSCEND-T2D-1 | Type 2 diabetes | Completed (Mar 19, 2026) — 16.8% at 40wk |
For the full TRIUMPH program tracker, see our Clinical Trials page.
How It Compares
| Drug | Trial | Duration | Mean weight loss (top dose) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide | STEP 1 | 68 weeks | -14.9% |
| Tirzepatide | SURMOUNT-1 | 72 weeks | -22.5% |
| Retatrutide | TRIUMPH-3 | 72 weeks | -24.2% |
| Retatrutide | TRIUMPH-4 | 68 weeks | -28.7% |
Cross-trial comparisons are imperfect — different populations and protocols affect outcomes — but the pattern is consistent: retatrutide produces larger average weight loss than semaglutide and tirzepatide in like-duration Phase 3 trials.
What Comes Next
- Full peer-reviewed publication in New England Journal of Medicine with safety, body-composition, and subgroup analyses.
- TRIUMPH-1 and TRIUMPH-2 readouts still expected in 2026 — these are the larger obesity-population trials that form the bulk of the FDA filing package.
- ADA 2026 Scientific Sessions (June 6-10, New Orleans) will include a panel on the TRIUMPH program — see our ADA 2026 preview.
- FDA filing is expected in 2026 per Lilly's guidance — see our FDA approval timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
When were TRIUMPH-3 results announced?
Topline results were presented at the American College of Cardiology Annual Scientific Session on March 5, 2026, with simultaneous expected publication in New England Journal of Medicine.
How much weight loss in TRIUMPH-3?
Retatrutide at the 12 mg dose produced an average weight loss of 24.2% at 72 weeks in adults with obesity and elevated cardiovascular risk.
How does TRIUMPH-3 compare to SURMOUNT-1?
TRIUMPH-3 (retatrutide 12 mg, 72 weeks) showed 24.2% mean weight loss. SURMOUNT-1 (tirzepatide 15 mg, 72 weeks) showed 22.5%. The retatrutide trial population was higher cardiovascular risk; the absolute difference is modest. The Phase 2 retatrutide trial showed a similar relative advantage over tirzepatide's comparable Phase 3 data.
Is retatrutide FDA approved?
No. Retatrutide is not FDA approved. TRIUMPH-3 is one of several Phase 3 trials that will support an expected 2026 FDA submission. See our FDA approval timeline for the full picture.
Sources
- Retatrutide Phase 3 Trial Results Show 24% Average Body Weight Reduction — GLP1 Clinics (March 7, 2026). Source
- Retatrutide Phase 3 Update — Diabetes and Osteoarthritis Trials Hit Primary Endpoints — Prof. Peptide (May 11, 2026)
- American College of Cardiology 2026 Annual Scientific Session program
Medical disclaimer: This page summarizes publicly available topline results. Retatrutide is not FDA approved and is not available outside of clinical trials. This is informational only and not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about medications. glp3.wiki is not affiliated with Eli Lilly or any pharmaceutical company.
Related reading
Retatrutide Phase 3 Trials 2026: TRIUMPH & TRANSCEND-T2D Tracker
Living tracker of every retatrutide trial — TRIUMPH-1/3/4/5, TRANSCEND-T2D-1/2, and SYNERGY-OUTCOMES Phase 3 readouts.
Retatrutide FDA Approval Timeline 2026-2028: Filing & Status
TRANSCEND-T2D-1 and TRIUMPH-3 are in. Projected FDA filing 2026-27, approval 2027-28. Live timeline.
TRIUMPH-4: Retatrutide 28.7% Weight Loss in Obesity + Knee OA (Dec 2025)
First retatrutide Phase 3 readout (December 2025) — 28.7% weight loss at 12 mg, significant knee pain relief, and the dysesthesia signal first observed at scale.
TRANSCEND-T2D-1: Retatrutide Phase 3 Diabetes Results (March 2026)
First Phase 3 retatrutide trial in type 2 diabetes — 16.8% weight loss and -2.0% A1C at 12 mg over 40 weeks. Announced March 19, 2026.
Retatrutide and Heart Health (Cardiovascular Effects)
Early data shows improvements in blood pressure, lipids, and inflammation. Dedicated cardiovascular outcomes trials are underway.