Tesamorelin
Tesamorelin (stabilized GHRH analogue)
Also known as: Egrifta
An FDA-approved GHRH analogue that reduces visceral fat, now also studied for cognition in older adults at Alzheimer's risk.
Overview
Tesamorelin is a stabilized synthetic GHRH analogue approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy, where it reduces visceral adipose tissue. It preserves the normal pulsatile pattern of GH release. Beyond its approved use, it is studied for visceral fat in metabolic syndrome and for cognitive preservation in older adults.
Mechanism of action
Activates pituitary GHRH receptors to stimulate physiological, pulsatile growth hormone release, preserving hypothalamic feedback.
Key studies & citations
- Human2007
Metabolic effects of a growth hormone-releasing factor in patients with HIV
412 patients with HIV and abdominal fat accumulation: 26 weeks of tesamorelin 2 mg daily reduced visceral adipose tissue 15.2% versus a 5.0% increase on placebo, with lower triglycerides.
New England Journal of Medicine - Human2010
Effects of tesamorelin (TH9507) in HIV-infected patients with excess abdominal fat: a pooled analysis of two multicenter, double-blind placebo-controlled phase 3 trials with safety extension data
806 patients across both phase 3 trials: VAT fell 24 cm2 at week 26 versus a 2 cm2 rise on placebo (treatment effect -15.4%), with no change in subcutaneous fat.
Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism - Review2010
Egrifta (tesamorelin) approval package, NDA 022505
FDA approval documentation for tesamorelin to reduce excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration - Human2012
Effects of growth hormone-releasing hormone on cognitive function in adults with mild cognitive impairment and healthy older adults: results of a controlled trial
152 adults aged 55 to 87 (66 with MCI): 20 weeks of tesamorelin 1 mg daily had a favorable effect on cognition (P=.03), mainly executive function, and raised IGF-1 117% within the physiological range.
Archives of Neurology - Human2019
Effects of tesamorelin on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in HIV: a randomised, double-blind, multicentre trial
61 people with HIV and NAFLD (NCT02196831) randomized to 12 months of tesamorelin 2 mg or placebo, with hepatic fat fraction as the primary endpoint.
The Lancet HIV
Frequently asked questions
Is tesamorelin approved for anti-aging?
No. Its approval is for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Cognitive and metabolic uses in aging are research topics, not approved indications.