In the meantime, a booming underground market is developing for Retatrutide. Social media influencers are leading the charge on social media, greatly exaggerating its fat-burning benefits. Eli Lilly, a major US pharmaceutical company, initially created Retatrutide as an injection. Still in clinical trials, this shot has made some early headlines with its ability to help patients shed up to 25% of their body weight.
Retatrutide works by targeting three gut hormones: GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon. However, even though its trial results have been promising, the drug is still not licensed in the United Kingdom. This unexpected regulatory approval deficit has not stopped people with T1D from pursuing the drug through unofficial channels.
Social media platforms —especially Telegram— have turned into underground marketplaces for Retatrutide. Groups with thousands of members share “before and after” photos and instructions on how to mix the powder form with sterile water. A few sellers sell pre-filled pens but these can be very costly usually costing around £160 for a course of 20mg. Sales are usually done on WhatsApp, with sellers offering you an instruction manual and a delivery within 48 hours.
Yet, the data reported by individual sellers is often not uniform. And as some have noted, one pen of Retatrutide may last for weeks. According to some others, including Dr. As one vendor truthfully told us, “It took eight of us to get them loaded this morning.” This underscores the logistical difficulties that go into delivering this unregulated product.
Now Eli Lilly are warning that Retatrutide could be sold illegally. A spokesperson for the company emphasized, “Therefore at this time no one can sell [it] for human use,” underscoring that the drug is still in clinical trials and not ready for public consumption. They warned that using such unlicensed medications “may expose patients to potentially serious health risks.”
Dr. Crystal Wyllie, a healthcare professional with Asda Online Doctor, connected the increasing demand for Retatrutide to recent price hikes of approved weight-loss medications like Mounjaro. She warned the public against the risks of buying medications through conduits such as Telegram channels. “We understand the frustration, but buying from Telegram or WhatsApp is gambling with your health,” Dr. Wyllie stated.
Indeed, the promise of rapid weight loss has already led millions of people to seek out unregulated alternatives such as Retatrutide. Creators on TikTok, Instagram, and other platforms have profited off this trend by promoting their experiences with the drug. Outrage and concern have flooded discussion boards and private channels dedicated to weight loss. Users flock online to post their accomplishments next to harmful dangers associated with these unregulated products.
Their worries are not just about the integrity of the product itself. This alarms doctors and pharmacists alike who fear dangers are being dangerously heightened among those who inject substances of unknown origin. The likelihood of serious health harms grows when consumers avoid regular medical pathways for unregulated alternatives.