Tesamorelin
Also referenced as: Egrifta, TH9507
A stabilised GHRH analogue and the clearest example of a growth hormone axis peptide passing full regulatory review.
- Evidence grade
- AStrong Clinical Evidence
Strong Clinical Evidence
- Regulatory status
- FDA Approved for Specific Indication
Approved in the United States to reduce excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. It is not approved for general weight loss, body composition or anti-ageing use. Off-label tesamorelin is the same active molecule, not a separate compound. Compounded preparations are not FDA-approved or established as equivalent to an approved product.
- Human data
- Yes
Registered clinical trials exist
- Last reviewed
- September 1, 2026
Overview
Tesamorelin is a GHRH analogue with a trans-3-hexenoyl group protecting it from enzymatic degradation. It raises endogenous GH and IGF-1 while preserving pulsatility.
Its approved indication is narrow and specific. That specificity is the point: it shows what an evidence-supported approval for a GHRH analogue actually looks like.
Why It's Being Studied
- Visceral adipose tissue reduction in HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
- Hepatic fat and metabolic parameters in people with HIV.
- Cognitive endpoints in ageing and mild cognitive impairment (exploratory research).
Mechanism of Action
A protease-resistant version of the brain's growth hormone signal, which reduces deep abdominal fat in the population it was approved for.
Tesamorelin binds GHRH receptors to increase pulsatile GH secretion and hepatic IGF-1 production. Visceral adipose reduction is attributed to GH-mediated lipolysis in visceral depots, which display high GH receptor density and lipolytic sensitivity.
The growth hormone axis
Tap each stage to see what happens.
Background: Growth Hormone Research
Growth-hormone secretagogues do not contain growth hormone. They signal the pituitary to release the body's own GH, which then raises IGF-1, largely from the liver.
Because the natural feedback loop stays partly intact, GH release remains pulsatile. That distinguishes these compounds from injected HGH — but it does not make them risk-free, and most lack outcome trials.
Research Areas & Routes Studied
- Visceral adipose tissue
- Hepatic steatosis
- IGF-1
- Cognition (exploratory)
- Subcutaneous injection
Evidence Summary
Two phase 3 randomised placebo-controlled trials supported an approved indication, with a published label and post-marketing experience.
Higher tiers carry more weight. Filled tiers have evidence for Tesamorelin; tap to read it.
- Phase 3 trials reported significant reductions in visceral adipose tissue versus placebo over 26 to 52 weeks.
- Later trials reported reduced hepatic fat fraction in people with HIV and steatosis.
- Exploratory trials in cognition and metabolic disease have been registered.
2 cited sources spanning 2007–2007.
- Randomised controlled trial1
- Prescribing label1
Human clinical evidence
- Phase 3 trials reported significant reductions in visceral adipose tissue versus placebo over 26 to 52 weeks.
- Later trials reported reduced hepatic fat fraction in people with HIV and steatosis.
Clinical trials
- Exploratory trials in cognition and metabolic disease have been registered.
Reported Adverse Events in Research
- Injection-site reactions, arthralgia, peripheral oedema, myalgia.
- Glucose intolerance and raised IGF-1; label advises monitoring.
- Contraindicated in active malignancy per labelling.
Limitations of Current Evidence
- Efficacy demonstrated in a specific population; generalisation to healthy adults is unsupported.
- Visceral fat returns after discontinuation.
How to Read This Research
- Did the study measure IGF-1 only, or real outcomes such as body composition or function?
- Which receptor does the compound act on — GHRH, ghrelin, or both?
- Were glucose and insulin sensitivity tracked?
- A rise in IGF-1 is a biomarker, not a benefit in itself.
- Tesamorelin's approval is for a specific indication; that evidence does not transfer to other secretagogues.
- GHRH
- Growth-hormone-releasing hormone, made by the hypothalamus.
- IGF-1
- Insulin-like growth factor 1, the main downstream mediator of GH.
- Secretagogue
- A substance that causes another substance to be secreted.
Compare With Other Compounds
| Tesamorelin | CJC-1295 | |
|---|---|---|
| Evidence grade | A — Strong Clinical Evidence | C — Early Human Research |
| Regulatory status | FDA Approved for Specific Indication | Not FDA Approved |
| Human data | Yes | Limited |
| Clinical trials | Registered trials exist | None identified |
| Research routes | Subcutaneous injection | Subcutaneous injection (clinical research) |
| Cited sources | 2 | 1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Documented Research Protocols
Tesamorelin — approved daily protocol in HIV-associated lipodystrophy
Summarise the protocol established by phase 3 trials and approved labelling for reducing excess visceral abdominal fat in a defined population.
View documented protocol
Why It Is Used
- Growth Hormone
Body Composition and Sleep Quality
Growth-hormone secretagogues are used for the same reason across the board: better sleep first, body composition later.
Read the case study - Metabolic Health
Visceral Fat and Metabolic Markers
Not weight on a scale, but the fat around the organs — the compartment most strongly tied to metabolic risk.
Read the case study
Research References
- Randomised controlled trial2007
Effects of tesamorelin on visceral fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy (phase 3)
Falutz J, et al. · New England Journal of Medicine / AIDS- Main finding
- Significant reduction in visceral adipose tissue versus placebo.
- Prescribing label
Tesamorelin (Egrifta) prescribing information