Peptide

Tesamorelin

Synthetic analog of GHRH (growth hormone-releasing hormone); FDA-approved to reduce visceral fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy.

Regulatory status

Approved (FDA / EMA)

FDA (U.S.): Approved (Nov 11, 2010, Egrifta) to reduce excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV and lipodystrophy; new formulations Egrifta SV and Egrifta WR (Mar 25, 2025). Not indicated for weight loss.

EMA (EU): Not approved: Ferrer withdrew the application in June 2012 because the CHMP considered that the data did not allow a positive benefit-risk balance to be concluded.

Differences between women and men

May harm the fetus: if pregnancy occurs it must be discontinued and a doctor consulted (FDA label for Egrifta WR).

Variants

Outside its indication (HIV with lipodystrophy), tesamorelin is promoted in 'anti-aging' and fat-loss clinics to raise growth hormone in people without HIV. That use is not approved or supported by trials demonstrating long-term benefit and safety in the general population; it raises IGF-1 and can worsen glucose. It has also been investigated (without approval) in HIV-associated fatty liver and in mild cognitive impairment.

How to take it

2 mg/day subcutaneously. Prescription only and with a diagnosis of HIV lipodystrophy (approved indication).

Safety

Local reactions at the injection site. May raise IGF-1 and glucose; monitor in diabetes and a history of cancer. Contraindicated in pregnancy and active cancer.

Effect by goal · level of evidence

Visceral fat (HIV lipodystrophy)

reduces Very high phase 3 RCT (AA)

−15 to −17.5% visceral fat

52-week trial: 15-17.5% reduction in visceral fat. FDA-approved indication.

View the study (phase 3 RCT) →

IGF-1

improves Very high RCT (AA)

Normalizes IGF-1

Raises IGF-1 to the physiological range by stimulating pulsatile endogenous GH release, without exceeding a ceiling.

View the study (phase 3 RCT) →

Information, not medical advice. Scientific evidence reflects the quality of the studies.