A stabilised GHRH analog (Egrifta), FDA-approved to reduce excess visceral fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
FDA approved (November 2010) to reduce excess visceral abdominal fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy — that narrow indication only, not general fat loss, anti-aging or bodybuilding. As a GH secretagogue it is prohibited in sport by WADA.
Also known as: Egrifta, Egrifta SV, TH9507
A degradation-resistant growth-hormone-releasing hormone analog that binds pituitary GHRH receptors to stimulate natural pulsatile GH release, raising IGF-1 and promoting lipolysis in visceral fat — preserving the body's own GH feedback rather than supplying exogenous GH.
Two phase 3 trials in HIV patients (~806-816 participants) showed visceral adipose tissue reductions of roughly 15% versus placebo at 26 weeks, with triglyceride improvements. Crucially, benefits reversed within months when participants switched to placebo — the effect depends on continued use. It modestly raises IGF-1. Long-term cardiovascular benefit was not established and was left for post-approval study. Evidence outside HIV lipodystrophy is limited.
We report both positive and negative trial results. For exact study protocols, read the sources — we cite them rather than repackage them.
Bars reflect the strength & volume of research evidence for each use — not a guarantee of results.
Injection-site reactions, joint pain, peripheral oedema and muscle pain. Glucose intolerance and raised IGF-1 can occur because it stimulates the GH axis. It is contraindicated in active malignancy given GH/IGF-1 signalling concerns.
CJC-1295 and ipamorelin — other GH secretagogues raising endogenous GH/IGF-1. GLP-1 drugs — discussed together in visceral-fat contexts. Mechanistically it belongs with GHRH and ghrelin-mimetic peptides.
Mechanistic context only — we don't publish combinations, amounts or protocols.
Compared with CJC-1295 (also a GHRH analog), tesamorelin is an actual approved drug with phase 3 human efficacy data, whereas CJC-1295 lacks controlled clinical-outcome trials. Both work upstream by stimulating pituitary GH release rather than injecting GH directly.
No. Its efficacy data are specifically in HIV-associated visceral fat; general use is off-label and not well studied.
Not exactly. It stimulates the body's own pulsatile GH release as a GHRH analog, rather than supplying exogenous growth hormone.
No. Visceral fat returned within months when patients stopped.
No reviews yet. If you've used Tesamorelin, be the first to share what it helped with and any side effects.
⚠️ Educational research information only — not medical advice. Many peptides are sold strictly for laboratory research and are not approved treatments. The evidence scores reflect research interest and strength, not efficacy or safety for any individual. Always consult a qualified professional.