general
TRANSCEND Program
Definition
Eli Lilly's Phase 3 clinical development program for retatrutide in type 2 diabetes. Parallel to but separate from the TRIUMPH obesity program.
TRANSCEND Program
TRANSCEND is Eli Lilly’s Phase 3 clinical development program for retatrutide in type 2 diabetes, designed to support the standalone diabetes indication. It runs in parallel to but distinct from the TRIUMPH program, which targets obesity and weight management.
The program currently includes:
- TRANSCEND-T2D-1: pivotal Phase 3 trial in adults with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on metformin. Reported positive topline results in Eli Lilly’s Q1 2026 earnings release on April 30, 2026: HbA1c reductions of 1.7-2.0 percentage points and weight loss of 11.1-16.6 kg across doses.
- TRANSCEND-T2D-2: head-to-head trial comparing retatrutide to semaglutide in type 2 diabetes.
- TRANSCEND-CKD: Phase 3 trial in adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
Together with the TRIUMPH obesity readouts, TRANSCEND-T2D-1 forms the regulatory anchor for retatrutide’s type 2 diabetes indication. Eli Lilly has indicated it intends to file the New Drug Application supporting both obesity and type 2 diabetes indications together rather than sequentially.
Related Terms
References & Sources
- Rosenstock J, Frias JP, Rodbard HW, et al. "Retatrutide, a GIP, GLP-1 and glucagon receptor agonist, for people with type 2 diabetes: a randomised, double-blind, placebo and active-comparator controlled, parallel-group, phase 2 trial conducted in the USA." The Lancet 402: 529-544 (2023). DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(23)01053-X PMID: 37385275