Tesamorelin

Egrifta

Rank#999
Growth HormoneApprovedApprovedPrescriptionSubQ

Popular for:Visceral fat reduction, growth hormone deficiency, lipodystrophy

85

Total Studies

68

Human Studies

Approved

Evidence Level

Approved

FDA Status

Overview

Tesamorelin (brand name Egrifta/Egrifta SV) is a synthetic 44-amino acid analogue of human growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It is the only FDA-approved GHRH analogue, approved in November 2010 for reduction of excess abdominal fat (visceral adipose tissue) in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy. Developed by Theratechnologies Inc.

Mechanism of Action

Tesamorelin preserves the full 44-amino acid human GHRH sequence with an N-terminal trans-3-hexenoic acid modification on Tyr1. This modification improves resistance to DPP-IV enzymatic degradation, extending its functional half-life (26-38 minutes) compared to native GHRH. It binds pituitary GHRH receptors on somatotroph cells, triggering cAMP/PKA signaling that promotes pulsatile GH release. Unlike exogenous GH, tesamorelin preserves hypothalamic-pituitary feedback loops and natural pulsatile GH dynamics.

Key Research Benefits

Visceral fat reduction: Phase III trials (LIPO-010, n=412; CTR-1011, n=404) demonstrated 15-20% reduction in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) at 26 weeks.
Liver fat reduction (NAFLD): Landmark Lancet HIV study showed significant reduction in liver fat and slowed fibrosis progression in HIV-associated NAFLD.
Pulsatile GH restoration: Restores natural GH pulsatility and increases IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels. GH-mediated benefits include improved body composition, recovery, and sleep quality.
Cognitive benefits: Ongoing research into cognitive outcomes. Some data suggests GH/IGF-1 restoration may support memory and executive function.
Preserves feedback loops: Unlike exogenous GH (somatropin), tesamorelin maintains hypothalamic-pituitary feedback, reducing the risk of GH axis suppression.

Clinical Evidence Summary

Research Pipeline

Preclinical
Animal
Phase I
Phase II
Phase III
Approved

85

Total Studies

68

Human Studies

Tesamorelin has one of the strongest clinical evidence bases of any peptide therapeutic, with over 800 participants across Phase III trials.

- LIPO-010 (Phase III, n=412) — Demonstrated significant VAT reduction vs placebo at 26 weeks in HIV lipodystrophy patients. Led to FDA approval.

- CTR-1011 (Phase III, n=404) — Confirmatory trial showing 15-20% VAT reduction. Injection site reactions were the most common AE.

- Stanley et al. (Lancet HIV) — Landmark NAFLD study showing liver fat reduction and slowed fibrosis progression in HIV-associated populations.

- Ongoing research includes metabolic syndrome and cognitive outcome studies, though these remain investigational.

Key Studies / PubMed References

85 studies found on PubMed · showing top 22 by relevance

View all on PubMed

Injectable Peptide Therapy: A Primer for Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Physicians.

Review

Mayfield CK, Bolia IK, Feingold CL, et al. · The American journal of sports medicine · 2026

PMID: 41476424

Therapeutic Peptides in Orthopaedics: Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions.

Review

Rahman OF, Lee SJ, Seeds WA · Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Global research & reviews · 2026

PMID: 41490200

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in people with HIV.

Review

Gattu AK, Fourman LT · Current opinion in HIV and AIDS · 2025

PMID: 40397552

Effects of Tesamorelin on Neurocognitive Impairment in Persons With HIV and Abdominal Obesity.

Human Study

Ellis RJ, Vaida F, Hu K, et al. · The Journal of infectious diseases · 2025

PMID: 39813152

Efficacy and safety of tesamorelin in people with HIV on integrase inhibitors.

Human Study

Russo SC, Ockene MW, Arpante AK, et al. · AIDS (London, England) · 2024

PMID: 38905488

Side Effects & Safety

Common: Injection site reactions (erythema, pruritus, pain, swelling) — up to 50.7% in trials. Peripheral edema (9.9%). Arthralgia/myalgia (3.7-7.7%). Paresthesias.
Metabolic: HbA1c elevation (≥6.5%) observed more frequently in tesamorelin groups vs placebo. FDA label recommends baseline and periodic glucose monitoring.
Antibody formation: Anti-tesamorelin IgG antibodies developed in ~50% of patients at 26-52 weeks. Cross-reactivity to endogenous GHRH in ~60% of antibody-positive patients. Efficacy appeared similar in antibody-positive and negative groups.
IGF-1 elevation: Expected pharmacologically. Persistent levels >3 SDS may warrant dose adjustment or discontinuation.
Contraindications: Active malignancy, pregnancy, known hypersensitivity (including mannitol), major hypothalamic-pituitary axis disruption, pituitary surgery/radiation/tumor.

Known Interactions

No curated interaction entry is live for Tesamorelin yet.

Until the interaction table is fully populated, use the interaction checker and related peptides below to explore adjacent compounds and likely research pairings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Research Disclaimer

This page is for research and educational purposes only. The information presented is based on published scientific literature and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Tesamorelin is not approved by the FDA for human therapeutic use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The studies referenced are linked to their original PubMed sources for verification.