Educational content only — this is not medical advice. Nothing here is a recommendation to buy, obtain, or use Tesamorelin. Talk to a licensed clinician before making health decisions.
What it is
Tesamorelin is a synthetic 44-amino-acid analog of human GHRH with a trans-3-hexenoic acid group that improves stability. It stimulates pulsatile GH release and was developed specifically to reduce visceral adipose tissue in HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
What the evidence shows
In two Phase 3 trials (NEJM 2010; 816 participants), tesamorelin 2 mg daily reduced visceral adipose tissue by approximately 18% versus 3% with placebo over 26 weeks, with improvements in triglycerides and cholesterol. Effects waned after discontinuation. It is the most robustly evidence-based GH-releasing peptide for an approved adult indication.
Risks & unknowns
Common adverse events include injection-site reactions, arthralgia, myalgia, peripheral edema, and paresthesia. It can raise glucose and HbA1c and is contraindicated in active malignancy, diabetic retinopathy, and pregnancy. Because it raises IGF-1, long-term monitoring is required.
Legal / regulatory status
Tesamorelin is FDA-approved as Egrifta for reducing excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with antiretroviral-associated lipodystrophy. It is prescription-only. Use outside this indication is off-label. It is prohibited in sport by WADA.