Tesamorelin
An FDA-approved GHRH analog used to reduce visceral fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
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This information is for educational purposes. Peptide therapy should be guided by a licensed healthcare provider. Connect with a Noho clinician
What is Tesamorelin?
Tesamorelin is a synthetic GHRH analog that is currently FDA-approved (brand name Egrifta) for the reduction of excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy. It is one of the few peptides in this space with full FDA approval for a therapeutic indication, which provides a stronger evidence base than most other peptides discussed for body composition.
Why People Talk About It
Visceral fat reduction
StrongGrowth hormone optimization
StrongBody composition improvement
ModerateCognitive function (emerging research)
PreliminaryHow It Works
Tesamorelin works the same way as your body's natural growth hormone-releasing hormone, but with modifications that make it more potent and longer-lasting. It tells your pituitary gland to release more growth hormone, which in turn helps reduce visceral (deep belly) fat.
Common Questions
Safety Information
Common Side Effects
Cautions
- • FDA-approved only for HIV lipodystrophy
- • Contraindicated in pregnancy
- • Monitor IGF-1 levels
- • Discontinue if hypersensitivity occurs
What We Don't Know
Long-term effects beyond the studied HIV lipodystrophy population are less characterized for off-label applications.
Published Research
31 studiesBody composition, hepatic fat, metabolic, and safety outcomes of Tesamorelin, a GHRH analogue, in HIV-associated lipodystrophy: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Effects of Tesamorelin on Neurocognitive Impairment in Persons With HIV and Abdominal Obesity
Efficacy and safety of tesamorelin in people with HIV on integrase inhibitors
Clinical Predictors of Liver Fibrosis Presence and Progression in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Associated Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone Reduces Circulating Markers of Immune Activation in Parallel with Effects on Hepatic Immune Pathways in Individuals with HIV-infection and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Effects of tesamorelin on hepatic transcriptomic signatures in HIV-associated NAFLD
The Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone Analogue, Tesamorelin, Decreases Muscle Fat and Increases Muscle Area in Adults with HIV
Safety and metabolic effects of tesamorelin, a growth hormone-releasing factor analogue, in patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Fibroblast growth factor 21 decreases after liver fat reduction via growth hormone augmentation
Population pharmacokinetic analysis of tesamorelin in HIV-infected patients and healthy subjects
Predictors of Treatment Response to Tesamorelin, a Growth Hormone-Releasing Factor Analog, in HIV-Infected Patients with Excess Abdominal Fat
The effects of tesamorelin on phosphocreatine recovery in obese subjects with reduced GH
Effect of tesamorelin on visceral fat and liver fat in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation: a randomized clinical trial
Growth hormone-releasing hormone effects on brain γ-aminobutyric acid levels in mild cognitive impairment and healthy aging
Reduction in visceral adiposity is associated with an improved metabolic profile in HIV-infected patients receiving tesamorelin
Metabolic effects of a growth hormone-releasing factor in obese subjects with reduced growth hormone secretion: a randomized controlled trial
Effects of growth hormone–releasing hormone on cognitive function in adults with mild cognitive impairment and healthy older adults: results of a controlled trial
Effects of tesamorelin on inflammatory markers in HIV patients with excess abdominal fat: relationship with visceral adipose reduction
Effects of tesamorelin, a growth hormone-releasing factor, in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation: a randomized placebo-controlled trial with a safety extension
Long-term safety and effects of tesamorelin, a growth hormone-releasing factor analogue, in HIV patients with abdominal fat accumulation
Metabolic effects of a growth hormone-releasing factor in patients with HIV
Population pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analysis of tesamorelin in HIV-infected patients and healthy subjects
Relationship of adiponectin to endogenous GH pulse secretion parameters in response to stimulation with a growth hormone releasing factor
Effects of tesamorelin on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in HIV: a randomised, double-blind, multicentre trial
Tesamorelin
Tesamorelin: a growth hormone-releasing factor analogue for HIV-associated lipodystrophy
Tesamorelin: a review of its use in the management of HIV-associated lipodystrophy
Tesamorelin, a human growth hormone releasing factor analogue
Drug evaluation: tesamorelin, a synthetic human growth hormone releasing factor
Growth hormone and tesamorelin in the management of HIV-associated lipodystrophy
Spotlight on tesamorelin in HIV-associated lipodystrophy
Always consult a qualified clinician
This information is for educational purposes. Peptide therapy should be guided by a licensed healthcare provider. Connect with a Noho clinician
Research Insights
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CJC-1295
ModerateBeginnerA growth hormone-releasing hormone analog that stimulates the pituitary gland to produce more growth hormone.
Sermorelin
StrongBeginnerA growth hormone-releasing hormone analog that was previously FDA-approved for diagnosing GH deficiency in children.
Ipamorelin
ModerateBeginnerA selective growth hormone secretagogue that stimulates GH release without significantly affecting cortisol or prolactin.
Quick Facts
- Class
- GHRH Analog
- Evidence
- Strong
- Safety
- Well-Studied
- Updated
- Feb 2026
- Citations
- 31PubMed
Also known as
Tags
Related Goals
Evidence Score
Clinical Trials
View Clinical TrialsLinks to ClinicalTrials.gov for reference. Listing does not imply endorsement.
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