Tesamorelin
Growth hormone-releasing hormone analog · Also known as Egrifta, Egrifta SV, Egrifta WR, TH-9507
What is Tesamorelin?
A synthetic 44-amino acid analog of human growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It is the only FDA-approved GHRH analog, prescribed to reduce excess abdominal fat in people living with HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
Tesamorelin was developed by Theratechnologies and approved by the FDA in November 2010. It has one of the strongest clinical programs among peptide therapeutics, with two large phase III trials enrolling over 800 patients. More recently, it has been studied for reducing liver fat in NAFLD and improving cognitive function in older adults.
Benefits & evidence
How it works
Tesamorelin binds to GHRH receptors on the pituitary gland, stimulating the natural pulsatile release of growth hormone. Unlike direct GH administration, it works through the body's own feedback mechanisms, so GH release is modulated by somatostatin and other regulatory signals. This results in a more physiological pattern of GH elevation compared to exogenous GH injections.
The increased GH levels promote lipolysis (fat breakdown), particularly in visceral adipose tissue. In clinical trials, this translated to a 15-18% reduction in visceral fat over 26 weeks. Tesamorelin also appears to reduce hepatic fat accumulation, with a randomized trial in The Lancet HIV showing a 37% relative reduction in liver fat and significantly less fibrosis progression compared to placebo.
Dosing information
Typical dosing protocol
1.4 mg/day (Egrifta SV) or 1.28 mg/day (Egrifta WR)
From day 1 (no titration required)1.4 mg/day (Egrifta SV) or 1.28 mg/day (Egrifta WR)
26+ weeks per FDA trialsFDA-approved dosing. Inject subcutaneously into the abdomen, rotating injection sites. Assess treatment effect after 26 weeks; discontinue if visceral fat has not decreased. Follow prescriber's instructions.
Side effects
Most side effects tend to improve as your body adjusts.