Also known as: Egrifta, TH9507, Theratechnologies GRF analog
Half-life: ~26 minutes
Tesamorelin is a synthetic analog of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) consisting of the full 44-amino-acid GHRH sequence with a trans-3-hexenoic acid modification at the N-terminus that improves metabolic stability. Developed by Theratechnologies Inc. of Montreal, Canada, it is one of the few GH-stimulating peptides to achieve actual FDA approval. Tesamorelin was approved in November 2010 under the brand name Egrifta for the reduction of excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy, a condition characterized by abnormal fat redistribution.
Clinical trials involving over 800 HIV patients demonstrated that tesamorelin significantly reduces visceral adipose tissue (VAT) without adversely affecting glucose homeostasis at approved doses. The peptide acts by stimulating the pituitary gland to release growth hormone in a pulsatile, physiological manner, which distinguishes it from exogenous GH administration. This pulsatile release pattern is important because it allows the body's normal feedback mechanisms to remain functional, reducing the risk of GH-related side effects compared to direct GH supplementation.
Beyond its approved indication, tesamorelin has generated interest for potential cognitive benefits. A Phase 2 clinical trial published in Archives of Neurology (2012) showed improvements in executive function and verbal memory in cognitively normal older adults treated with tesamorelin. Theratechnologies has also investigated its effects on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), where studies have shown reductions in hepatic fat alongside visceral fat. These findings position tesamorelin as a multifaceted GH-releasing peptide with therapeutic potential extending beyond lipodystrophy.
Developed by Theratechnologies Inc. in Montreal during the 2000s. Based on the native 44-amino-acid GHRH sequence with an N-terminal trans-3-hexenoic acid group to improve stability. Phase 3 trials demonstrated significant reduction in trunk fat in HIV patients with lipodystrophy. FDA approved in November 2010. Theratechnologies also investigated it for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cognitive function in aging. The cognitive study published in Archives of Neurology (2012) showed intriguing improvements in executive function. The drug is manufactured and distributed in the US through specialty pharmacies.
Tesamorelin has been evaluated in large clinical trials with over 800 HIV patients, providing robust tolerability data. The most common side effects are injection site reactions (occurring in about 8-13% of patients) and arthralgia. Discontinuation due to adverse events was low in clinical trials (approximately 5%). The peptide does not significantly impair glucose tolerance, which was an important finding given that GH can worsen insulin sensitivity. However, IGF-1 levels should be monitored, as elevations above the normal range occurred in some patients. Overall, its safety profile was sufficient for FDA approval.
Dose Range
2000 mcg
Frequency
Once daily (SubQ)
Duration
Ongoing as prescribed
Dose Range
1000-2000 mcg
Frequency
Once daily
Duration
8-12 weeks
Dosing information is for educational purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before using any peptide.
Typical Vial Size
2 mg
Water Type
Sterile water (included with Egrifta) or bacteriostatic water
Mixing Volume
2 mL
Half-Life
~26 minutes
Molecular Weight
5135.9 Da
Egrifta SV comes as lyophilized powder with diluent. Reconstituted solution should be used immediately. Research-grade tesamorelin reconstituted with BAC water may be stored refrigerated for up to 28 days.
FDA Status
FDA approved. Egrifta (tesamorelin) approved November 2010 for reduction of excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy. Egrifta SV (reformulated single-vial) approved 2019.
Legal Status
Prescription medication in the United States. Available through specialty pharmacies. Also available as a research chemical.
USA
ApprovedFDA approved 2010 as Egrifta for HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
Canada
ApprovedHealth Canada approved for HIV lipodystrophy. Developed by Canadian company Theratechnologies.
EU
Not approvedEMA has not authorized tesamorelin.
UK
Not approvedNot licensed for use in the UK.
Australia
Not approvedTGA has not approved tesamorelin.
Falutz J, Allas S, Blot K, Potvin D, Kotler D, Somero M, Berger D, Brown S, Richmond G, Fessel J, Turner R, Grinspoon S
Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (2007)
Phase 2/3 trial demonstrating that tesamorelin significantly reduces visceral adipose tissue and improves body composition in HIV patients with lipodystrophy.
View Study →Stanley TL, Feldpausch MN, Oh J, Branch KL, Lee H, Torriani M, Grinspoon SK
Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes (2014)
Demonstrated that tesamorelin reduces both visceral and hepatic fat in HIV patients, suggesting benefits for NAFLD in this population.
View Study →Baker LD, Barsness SM, Borber S, Callaghan JP, Craft S, Mehta PD, Reger MA, Thal LJ, Vitiello MV, Plymate SR
Archives of Neurology (2012)
Phase 2 trial showing tesamorelin improved executive function and verbal memory in cognitively normal older adults, suggesting neuroprotective potential.
View Study →Long-acting growth hormone releasing hormone analog for sustained GH and IGF-1 elevation.
Selective growth hormone secretagogue with minimal side effects.
Fat-metabolizing fragment of human growth hormone without growth-promoting effects.
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