When Will Retatrutide Be Available in the UK? Latest Trials, Approval Timeline and What to Expect

Retatrutide is one of the most exciting next generation weight loss treatments currently in development, and many people in the UK are asking when (or if) it will become available.

At the moment, Retatrutide is still in clinical trials and is not yet licensed for use anywhere in the world. Early study results have shown very significant weight loss outcomes, but the medicine must complete further research and pass regulatory assessment before it can be prescribed in the UK.

This article explains the current development stage, what needs to happen before approval, realistic timelines, and what patients can do while waiting.

Table of Contents

What Stage of Development Is Retatrutide Currently In?

Retatrutide is an investigational triple agonist medication that acts on GLP-1, GIP and glucagon receptors. It is being studied to assess its safety, effectiveness and long-term impact on weight and metabolic health.

The medicine has progressed through Phase 2 clinical trials, where participants achieved:

Dose-dependent weight loss of up to 24.2% after 48 weeks at higher doses
83% of participants at the maximum 12 mg dose losing 15% or more of their body weight
All patients taking 8 mg or above are achieving at least 5% weight loss

Larger Phase 3 trials are now underway to confirm these findings in broader, more diverse patient groups and to build longer-term safety data.

Until those trials are completed and reviewed, Retatrutide cannot be prescribed.

For a deeper explanation of how the medication works, read our main guide:
Retatrutide Weight-Loss Injection UK — What We Know So Far

What Has to Happen Before Retatrutide Can Be Prescribed?

Before Retatrutide becomes available in the UK, it must complete several key steps.

Step 1: Completion of Phase 3 Clinical Trials

These studies assess:

Long term safety and tolerability
Consistency of weight loss outcomes
Impact on metabolic and cardiovascular markers
Real world relevant patient groups

Only once sufficient trial evidence exists can a regulatory submission take place.

Step 2: MHRA Licensing Review

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) will review:

Safety data
Clinical effectiveness
Dosing and administration
Quality and manufacturing standards

If approved, Retatrutide would receive a UK marketing authorisation.

Step 3: NICE Assessment (For NHS Use)

If MHRA approval is granted, the medicine may then be assessed by NICE to determine:

Cost-effectiveness
Eligible patient groups
Prescribing criteria
Whether the NHS funds it

This stage mainly affects NHS availability, but private prescribing decisions may differ depending on the product licence.

When Is Retatrutide Likely to Be Available in the UK?

Because Retatrutide is still undergoing Phase 3 research, there is no confirmed launch date.

Based on typical timelines for obesity medicines:

Completion of trial programmes
Regulatory submission and review
Potential NICE assessment

A realistic outlook suggests that Retatrutide is unlikely to become available in the UK before 2026–2027, and timelines may change depending on study progress.

At present, Retatrutide cannot be prescribed privately or via the NHS in the UK.

Could Retatrutide Become Available Privately Before the NHS?

This has been the case with other weight loss injections such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, where private access began before NHS rollout.

If Retatrutide is approved in the future, it is possible that:

Private prescribing may become available first
NHS eligibility could follow later, subject to NICE guidance

However, this will depend entirely on the final licence conditions, safety profile and cost effectiveness decisions.

Until approval is granted, no legitimate private provider or doctor can supply Retatrutide.

Is Retatrutide Available From Doctors or Pharmacies Today?

No, Retatrutide is currently:

Not licensed in the UK
Not available through the NHS
Not available privately
Only accessible within approved clinical research trials

Any websites or social media sellers claiming to supply “Retatrutide injections” are not legitimate and should be avoided, as unlicensed medicines may be unsafe.

What Can Patients Do While Waiting for Retatrutide?

While Retatrutide remains in development, clinically approved alternatives are already available in the UK under structured medical supervision.

Patients can:

Discuss licensed GLP-1 treatments with us.
Explore lifestyle, dietary and metabolic health support
Follow safe, evidence based treatment pathways

Our team can help discuss suitable and currently available options where appropriate.

A Promising Future Treatment, but Still in Development

Retatrutide represents a significant step forward in obesity and metabolic medicine, with early research showing highly promising weight loss results. However, it remains an investigational medicine, and more evidence is needed before it can be approved and prescribed in the UK.

We will continue to monitor clinical trial data, regulatory updates, and availability timelines as they develop.