Weight Loss & Metabolic
Tesamorelin
Also known as: Egrifta
A growth hormone-releasing hormone analog that is FDA-approved to reduce excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
Overview
Tesamorelin is a modified form of growth hormone-releasing hormone, designed to resist breakdown in the body. It prompts the pituitary gland to release growth hormone, which in turn lowers a particular kind of deep abdominal fat.
What the research has looked at
Randomized trials in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy showed reductions in deep abdominal fat compared with placebo, leading to US approval in 2010. Researchers have also studied its effects on liver fat.
What we do not know
- Benefits have been shown in a specific population, and results do not automatically apply to others.
- Fat tends to return after stopping treatment in the studies that tested this.
- It is not established as a general weight-loss treatment.
Regulatory context
Tesamorelin is approved only for the use above, and growth hormone-releasing compounds are prohibited in sport.
Related pages
See also Sermorelin and CJC-1295.
References & further reading
- Falutz J, et al. Metabolic effects of a growth hormone-releasing factor in patients with HIV. N Engl J Med. 2007;357(23):2359-2370.
Educational reference only. Not medical advice. This page does not recommend or describe human use, dosing or sourcing.