Rybelsus vs Retatrutide: Weight Loss, Side Effects, Price
Rybelsus is FDA approved and sold now; Retatrutide is not FDA approved and is only available in trials. Rybelsus is approved for type 2 diabetes and heart risk.
A quick look at Rybelsus
Its half-life is about 1 week. After 7 d, half is gone, and about 3% remains after five half-lives (35 d).
In PIONEER 1, people with type 2 diabetes lost 3.7 kg over 26 weeks, compared with 1.4 kg on placebo.
Monthly prices in US dollars cover the list price and self-pay offers. Each comes from the maker's price page.
Sources: FDA label (DailyMed), healthsystemtracker.org, Novo Nordisk pricing, Novo Nordisk.
A side-by-side look at Rybelsus and Retatrutide together
| Rybelsus | Retatrutide | |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | Rybelsus | Retatrutide |
| Active ingredient | semaglutide | Not listed |
| Manufacturer | Novo Nordisk | Eli Lilly |
| How it is taken | Daily tablet | Not listed |
| Approved for | Type 2 diabetes and heart risk | Not listed |
| First FDA approval | 2019 | Not listed |
| Most common side effect | Nausea 20% vs 6% on placebo | Not listed |
| List price | $1,027.51 per 30 tablets | Not listed |
| FDA shortage | Resolved February 21, 2025 | Not listed |
| Weight loss pct | Not listed | 22.6% |
| Weeks | Not listed | 80 weeks |
| Expected | Not listed | BLA submission Q1 2027 |
| Expected approval | Not listed | BLA submission Q1 2027 |
Sources: FDA label, FDA label (DailyMed), Novo Nordisk pricing, FDA.
Price and coverage compared
In November 2026, price checks relied on Novo Nordisk pricing, found at rybelsus.com
Where Retatrutide stands now
| Retatrutide | |
|---|---|
| Weight loss pct | 22.6% |
| Weeks | 80 weeks |
| Expected | BLA submission Q1 2027 |
| Expected approval | BLA submission Q1 2027 |
Source: prnewswire.com.