What is Tesamorelin?
Tesamorelin is a synthetic analog of Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH). It consists of the 44 amino acids of human GHRH with an attached trans-3-hexenoic acid group at the N-terminus. This structural modification makes Tesamorelin highly resistant to degradation by the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), resulting in a significantly longer half-life and greater potency than natural GHRH.
How does Tesamorelin work?
Tesamorelin binds to and activates GHRH receptors in the pituitary gland, stimulating the synthesis and pulsatile release of endogenous growth hormone. The resulting increase in growth hormone and circulating IGF-1 acts on adipocytes to stimulate lipolysis. It is highly selective for visceral adipose tissue (VAT)—the deep, dangerous fat surrounding internal organs—while leaving subcutaneous fat largely unaffected.
Primary Documented Uses
- Treatment of HIV-associated lipodystrophy (excess visceral abdominal fat) (Egrifta)
- Reducing stubborn visceral fat and improving metabolic health
- Experimental treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Research Summary
Tesamorelin is backed by rigorous, large-scale Phase 3 human clinical trials. In these studies, daily subcutaneous injections of 2 mg Tesamorelin led to an average 18% reduction in visceral abdominal fat over 26 weeks, alongside improvements in lipid profiles and waist circumference. It was also shown to reduce liver fat in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Legal and Regulatory Status
Tesamorelin (under the brand name Egrifta) is FDA-approved for the reduction of excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy. It is a prescription-only medication. Compounded formulations are available via prescription, though regulatory scrutiny on compounding GHRH analogs has increased.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tesamorelin?
Tesamorelin is An FDA-approved, highly stable GHRH analog clinically proven to reduce stubborn visceral abdominal fat in HIV patients.
How does Tesamorelin work?
Tesamorelin binds to and activates GHRH receptors in the pituitary gland, stimulating the synthesis and pulsatile release of endogenous growth hormone. The resulting increase in growth hormone and circulating IGF-1 acts on adipocytes to stimulate lipolysis. It is highly selective for visceral adipose tissue (VAT)—the deep, dangerous fat surrounding internal organs—while leaving subcutaneous fat largely unaffected.
What does research say about Tesamorelin?
Tesamorelin is backed by rigorous, large-scale Phase 3 human clinical trials. In these studies, daily subcutaneous injections of 2 mg Tesamorelin led to an average 18% reduction in visceral abdominal fat over 26 weeks, alongside improvements in lipid profiles and waist circumference. It was also shown to reduce liver fat in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Is Tesamorelin FDA-approved or legally available?
Tesamorelin (under the brand name Egrifta) is FDA-approved for the reduction of excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy. It is a prescription-only medication. Compounded formulations are available via prescription, though regulatory scrutiny on compounding GHRH analogs has increased.