Tesamorelin
EstablishedAlso known as Egrifta, Egrifta SV
GHRH analog
An FDA-approved GHRH analog that targets visceral fat.
- References
- 1
- Human-grade claims
- 2 of 2
- Evidence floor
- Established
- Status
- Approved
A stabilized growth-hormone-releasing-hormone analog that raises the body's own GH pulses. It is FDA-approved to reduce excess visceral abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy, backed by controlled trials — the best-evidenced GH-axis peptide here.
How it works
Tesamorelin is a protected copy of GHRH, the hormone that tells the pituitary to release growth hormone. An added acyl cap on the N-terminus shields it from rapid breakdown, so it drives natural GH pulses rather than replacing GH directly. More GH in turn mobilizes visceral fat.
Sequence: Human GHRH(1-44) with an N-terminal trans-3-hexenoyl cap and C-terminal amideThe acyl cap protects against DPP-4 cleavage and is the load-bearing structural feature.
What it's studied for
- [1] FDA label — Egrifta SV (accessdata)
FDA-approved to reduce visceral adipose tissue in HIV-associated lipodystrophy, based on two Phase 3 randomized trials.
Established - [1] FDA label — Egrifta SV (accessdata)
Visceral-fat reduction reverses after discontinuation, so benefit depends on continued use.
Established
Safety & limitations
The label warns of glucose intolerance and diabetes, injection-site reactions, and possible fluid retention; it is contraindicated in active malignancy and pregnancy. Visceral-fat benefit reverses if the drug is stopped.
[1] FDA label — Egrifta SV (accessdata)Regulatory & legal status
FDA-approved (2010) to reduce excess visceral abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Marketed as Egrifta / Egrifta SV.
[1] FDA label — Egrifta SV (accessdata)Frequently asked
- Is tesamorelin a growth hormone?
- No — it prompts your own pituitary to release growth hormone, rather than being GH itself. That is why it is described as a GHRH analog.
References
Written by Twenty Residues editorial. Reviewed by Pending named medical review.
Last updated September 19, 2026.
Update history
- 2026-09-19 — Sourced review — every claim checked against primary literature; sequence, regulatory status, safety, and FAQs added.