Overview
Tesamorelin is classified as a ghrh analog peptide. Visceral fat reduction, body recomposition.
Stimulates GH for fat metabolism. Binds to GHRH receptors on the pituitary gland to stimulate natural growth hormone production, specifically targeting visceral adipose tissue.
Also known as: Egrifta
Category
GHRH Analog
Half-Life
0.43h
Route
SubQ
FDA Status
Approved
How Does Tesamorelin Work?
Stimulates GH for fat metabolism. Binds to GHRH receptors on the pituitary gland to stimulate natural growth hormone production, specifically targeting visceral adipose tissue.
At the molecular level, Tesamorelin operates through pathways characteristic of the GHRH Analog class, interacting with target receptors and downstream signaling cascades to produce its observed effects.
Published Research
The following studies are indexed from PubMed and peer-reviewed journals:
[1]Tesamorelin visceral fat reduction (FDA trial)
Falutz et al. (JAMA): Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 trial showing 15.2% reduction in visceral adipose tissue vs. 5% increase in placebo. FDA-approved indication.
Evidence: very strong[2]Tesamorelin 52-week extension study sustained VAT reduction
Falutz et al. (J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.): 52-week data confirming sustained 18% visceral fat reduction with continuous therapy, with reversal upon discontinuation.
Evidence: strong[3]Tesamorelin reduces liver fat in HIV lipodystrophy
Stanley et al. (Ann. Intern. Med.): RCT demonstrating tesamorelin reduces hepatic fat content in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation.
Evidence: strong[4]Tesamorelin improves executive function in older adults
Baker et al.: GHRH treatment (tesamorelin) shows favorable effects on executive function and verbal memory in cognitively normal and mildly impaired older adults via IGF-1 elevation.
Evidence: moderate[5]Tesamorelin IGF-1 effects and body composition (Phase 3)
Phase 3 trial showing ~80% increase in IGF-1 levels, improved body image distress scores, and significant trunk fat reduction across multiple patient populations.
Evidence: strong[6]Untitled Study
A study published in investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Evidence: preclinical[7]Spotlight on tesamorelin in HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
A study published in BioDrugs : clinical immunotherapeutics, biopharmaceuticals and gene therapy investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Evidence: preclinical[8]Tesamorelin: a review of its use in the management of HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
A study published in Drugs investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Evidence: moderate[9]Tesamorelin.
A study published in Nature reviews. Drug discovery investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Evidence: preclinical[10]Safety and Efficacy of Approved and Unapproved Peptide Therapies for Musculoskeletal Injuries and Athletic Performance.
A study published in Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Evidence: preclinical[11]Drug evaluation: tesamorelin, a synthetic human growth hormone releasing factor.
A study published in Current opinion in investigational drugs (London, England : 2000) investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Evidence: moderate[12]Effect of tesamorelin in people with HIV with and without dorsocervical fat: Post hoc analysis of phase III double-blind placebo-controlled trial.
A study published in Journal of clinical and translational science investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Evidence: moderate[13]Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in people with HIV.
A study published in Current opinion in HIV and AIDS investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Evidence: preclinical[14]Approach to the Patient With Lipodystrophy.
A study published in The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Evidence: moderate[15]Effect of tesamorelin on visceral fat and liver fat in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation: a randomized clinical trial.
A study published in JAMA investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Evidence: moderate[16]Tesamorelin improves fat quality independent of changes in fat quantity.
A study published in AIDS (London, England) investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Evidence: preclinical[17]Tesamorelin: a growth hormone-releasing factor analogue for HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
A study published in The Annals of pharmacotherapy investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Evidence: preclinical[18]Effects of Tesamorelin on Neurocognitive Impairment in Persons With HIV and Abdominal Obesity.
A study published in The Journal of infectious diseases investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Evidence: preclinical[19]Tesamorelin, a human growth hormone releasing factor analogue.
A study published in Expert opinion on investigational drugs investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Evidence: moderate[20]Effects of tesamorelin on hepatic transcriptomic signatures in HIV-associated NAFLD.
A study published in JCI insight investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Evidence: preclinicalSafety Profile
FDA-approved for lipodystrophy; GI side effects possible. Contraindicated in active malignancy.
| Side Effect | Incidence | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Fluid retention | ~15% of users | mild |
| Injection site reactions | ~12% of users | mild |
| Joint pain / arthralgia | ~8% of users | mild |
| Glucose elevation | ~5% of users | moderate |
Sourcing Tesamorelin for Research
If you're looking to source Tesamorelin for laboratory research, our vendor directory compares pricing, purity testing, and COA verification from independently vetted suppliers.
* Research vendor — verify your regional regulations before purchase.
Full Research Profile
Tesamorelin — dosing, interactions, timelines & more
Comprehensive compound profile with sourcing information, stacking synergies, and outcome timelines.