Tesamorelin
GHRH analog FDA-approved (Egrifta) for HIV-associated lipodystrophy; reduces visceral adiposity.
🔬 Mechanism of Action
Tesamorelin is a synthetic analog of the full GHRH(1-44) molecule with a trans-3-hexenoic acid modification for enhanced stability. It is the only GHRH analog that is FDA-approved (as Egrifta) for HIV-associated lipodystrophy — the pathological accumulation of visceral adipose tissue.
Tesamorelin stimulates pulsatile GH release from pituitary somatotrophs, leading to increased IGF-1 levels and reduction in visceral fat. Clinical trials demonstrated a 15-18% reduction in visceral adipose tissue. It is increasingly used off-label for body composition optimization in non-HIV populations.
Source: FDA Label (Egrifta), PMID: 20947872
📜Background & History
Tesamorelin (Egrifta) is an FDA-approved synthetic GHRH analog developed by Theratechnologies for lipodystrophy in HIV patients. It is the only GHRH analog approved for human use in the United States. A modified version of native GHRH with the addition of a trans-3-hexenoic acid group for protease stability, it has a longer half-life (~30 min) than native GHRH (~7 min). Clinical trials showed 15–18% reduction in visceral adipose tissue — the most consistent pharmacological reduction of visceral fat demonstrated in clinical trials.
🎯 Research Use Cases
- ✓HIV-associated lipodystrophy (FDA approved, Egrifta)
- ✓Visceral adiposity reduction independent of HIV status (off-label research)
- ✓GH/IGF-1 elevation with physiological pulsatile pattern preservation
- ✓Cognitive benefits in mild cognitive impairment (Phase II trial data)
💉 Dosing Protocol
| Typical Dose | 1-2 mg/day |
| Frequency | 1× daily |
| Half-Life | ~26-38 minutes |
| Common Vial Sizes | 2 mg |
🧪 Reconstitution Example
⚠️Safety & Considerations
FDA-approved (Egrifta) for HIV lipodystrophy. Generally well-tolerated. May cause injection site reactions, joint pain, and peripheral edema. Contraindicated with active malignancy, pregnancy, and disrupted hypothalamic-pituitary axis. May affect glucose metabolism.
⚡Interactions & Contraindications
GH/IGF-1 elevation affects glucose metabolism — monitor blood glucose. Contraindicated with active malignancy. Not for use in pregnancy. Simvastatin and other glucocorticoids may reduce efficacy.
🔗Synergies & Common Stacks
Tesamorelin (GHRH analog) + Ipamorelin (GHRP) creates the same synergistic mechanism as Mod GRF + Ipamorelin, with tesamorelin's longer half-life offering slightly more convenience.
Tesamorelin reduces visceral fat via GH stimulation; AOD-9604 directly targets adipose tissue lipolysis. Complementary fat loss mechanisms.
