University of Pennsylvania researchers use AI to study unapproved Retatrutide use

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have used artificial intelligence to analyze approximately 150,000 Reddit posts and comments to study the real-world use of Retatrutide, an experimental weight-loss drug. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, provides a systematic look at how individuals are using unapproved versions of the drug through the gray market.

A surprising finding from the AI analysis was that increased appetite was the most frequently reported symptom among users, once expected effects like weight loss and appetite suppression were excluded. This observation contrasts with Phase 2 clinical trials of Retatrutide, which primarily identified nausea and gastrointestinal issues as the most common side effects.

While the study offers a new way to monitor drug safety through social media, researchers cautioned that the data cannot establish a direct causal link between the drug and the reported symptoms. They also noted that Reddit samples have limitations and should be viewed as a starting point for public health research rather than definitive clinical evidence. Retatrutide is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials.