Body Composition · Growth Hormone · Metabolic
Tesamorelin
Also known as: Egrifta, TH9507
A stabilized GHRH analog FDA-approved to reduce excess visceral abdominal fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
Sign in to add to watchlistEvidence strength
Strength of human clinical evidence — A (strongest) to D (mostly preclinical). This reflects research maturity, not safety or suitability.
Vial Theory provides educational research summaries only. Content is not medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, dosing guidance, or individualized suitability screening. Regulatory status can change over time and varies by jurisdiction.
Key Takeaways
- ›Tesamorelin is a stabilized GHRH analog, FDA-approved (Egrifta) to reduce visceral fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
- ›Pivotal trials showed reduced visceral (and liver) fat; it raises IGF-1.
- ›Its approval is specific; general fat-loss/anti-aging use is not supported by approval-grade evidence.
- ›Long-term cancer-surveillance data outside the HIV population is limited.
- ›It is a prescription medicine. Work with a licensed healthcare professional on any decision.
What It Is
Tesamorelin is a synthetic analog of human growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), modified by the addition of a trans-3-hexenoic acid moiety to the N-terminus of the 44-amino-acid GHRH sequence. This modification stabilizes the molecule against degradation by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 and extends its plasma half-life relative to native GHRH.
The compound was developed by Theratechnologies in Canada and approved by the FDA in 2010 (as Egrifta) for the reduction of excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected adults with lipodystrophy. Its mechanism involves binding to GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs to stimulate endogenous pulsatile growth hormone release, which in turn elevates IGF-1 and produces downstream effects on lipolysis and visceral adipose tissue.
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Disclaimer: This content is for educational and research purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before making health-related decisions.