Overview
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In plain language
Tesamorelin (brand name Egrifta) is an FDA-approved medicine with one specific use: reducing excess belly fat in adults with HIV who have lipodystrophy, a condition that changes where fat is stored.
It is a lab-made version of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), so it tells the body to release more of its own growth hormone. It is injected daily. It is not approved for general weight loss or anti-aging.
For students
Tesamorelin is full-length human GHRH(1–44) with a trans-3-hexenoyl group on the N-terminal tyrosine (about 5,136 Da). The modification protects against DPP-4 cleavage while keeping receptor activity. It was approved in 2010.
It acts on the pituitary GHRH receptor, raising growth hormone pulses and IGF-1 while keeping normal feedback through somatostatin.
For researchers and instructors
Clinical evidence. Phase 3 trials in HIV-associated lipodystrophy showed about 15–18% reduction in visceral fat over 26 weeks; the effect reversed after stopping. Studies have also examined liver fat in people with HIV.
Safety. Fluid retention, joint pain and raised blood glucose; IGF-1 is monitored. Contraindicated in pregnancy and in active cancer.
Status. FDA-approved for one indication.
Molecular identity
- Amino acids
- 44
- Molecular weight
- ~5,135.9 Da
- Formula
- Verify product form
- Sequence
- 44-residue modified GHRH sequence
Origin and history
Tesamorelin was developed by Theratechnologies, a Montreal company, as a stabilized version of the full natural GHRH molecule with a small chemical group added to its starting end to resist breakdown.
It was aimed at a specific problem: people with HIV on older antiretroviral drugs often built up deep abdominal (visceral) fat. Phase 3 trials published in 2007 showed it reduced that fat, and the FDA approved it as Egrifta in November 2010. It remains the only approved GHRH analogue, with newer formulations since.
Key people
- TheratechnologiesMontreal company that developed it
- Julian FalutzLead investigator of the pivotal trials
Timeline
- 1982
Natural GHRH is discovered
- 2007
Phase 3 results in the New England Journal of Medicine
- 2010
FDA approves Egrifta for HIV-associated abdominal fat
- 2018 on
Updated formulations approved
See every peptide on one history timeline.
Human evidence
Randomized clinical trials support a specific approved indication in adults with HIV and lipodystrophy; benefits cannot be generalized to other uses.
FDA labeling and controlled trials provide comparatively stronger human evidence for its specific indication.
Explore original publications and distinguish preclinical findings from controlled human evidence.
Safety and regulatory status
See every compound on the regulatory tracker.
FDA-approved for reduction of excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV and lipodystrophy; important warnings and monitoring apply.
Product identity, purity, sterility, and endotoxin testing address different risks. This profile is educational and does not provide treatment guidance.
Sources
Hernandez Gener, E. (2026, November 7). Tesamorelin: molecular data, research history and evidence. VALREXA Biosciences. https://valrexa.com/peptides/tesamorelin.html
APA style · Last reviewed November 7, 2026 · Our editorial standardsLast reviewed November 7, 2026. Trial and regulatory status can change; confirm in the linked registries. This profile is educational and is not medical advice, a treatment recommendation, or dosing or sourcing guidance. Report an error · Corrections policy