What Is Tesamorelin?
Tesamorelin (Egrifta) is a synthetic analog of Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH) conjugated to a trans-3-hexenoic acid group at its N-terminus — protecting it from enzymatic degradation and extending its half-life while maintaining GHRH receptor binding potency. It is FDA-approved for the treatment of excess abdominal (visceral) fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy — the only GHRH analog with regulatory approval for a metabolic indication.
Mechanism of Action
Tesamorelin activates GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs, stimulating GH synthesis and secretion. The resulting GH pulses increase IGF-1 and promote lipolysis preferentially from visceral adipose tissue, which is more metabolically active and GH-responsive than subcutaneous fat. This preferential visceral fat mobilization is the primary mechanism driving the reductions documented in clinical trials.
Clinical Evidence and Cognitive Research
AWARE trials demonstrated 15–20% reductions in visceral adipose tissue area by CT over 26 weeks, significant improvements in lipid parameters, and improved body image in HIV patients with lipodystrophy. Emerging research has examined Tesamorelin's effects on cognitive function in older adults and HIV patients, with findings suggesting improvements in executive function and memory accompanying GH/IGF-1 restoration.
Quick Reference
Member reference tables summarize the compound's research parameters.
Research Indications
Research Protocols
As reported in cited literature and research-community logs (see Research Citations below), not a personal dosing recommendation.
This member section describes parameters reported in the research literature.
Peptide Interactions
This member section summarizes reported compound interactions and evidence limitations.
Reported Research Time Points
This member section summarizes reported research time points.
Safety Notes
Included for harm-reduction awareness only, in the event this compound is encountered outside its labeled research use. Inclusion here does not imply RUO Codes endorses, recommends, or instructs human use.
This member section discusses research safety considerations and uncertainties.
Quality Indicators
Research Citations
- Metabolic effects of a growth hormone-releasing factor in patients with HIV
Falutz, J., Allas, S., Blot, K., et al., 2010, Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism - Effects of tesamorelin on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in HIV: a randomised, double-blind, multicentre trial
Stanley, T.L., Fourman, L.T., Zheng, I., et al., 2019, The Lancet HIV - Effects of tesamorelin on hepatic transcriptomic signatures in HIV-associated NAFLD
Fourman, L.T., Billingsley, J.M., Daniels, K., et al., 2021, Scientific Reports - Effects of tesamorelin on inflammatory markers in HIV patients with excess abdominal fat: relationship with visceral adipose reduction
Grinspoon, S.K., Fitch, K.V., Zanni, M.V., et al., 2013, AIDS - The effects of tesamorelin on muscle and bone parameters in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation
Adrian, S., Scherzinger, D., Sanchez, R., et al., 2019, The Journal of Frailty & Aging - Effects of growth hormone-releasing factor on visceral fat, metabolic, and cardiovascular indices in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation
Kotler, D.P., Muurahainen, N., Grunfeld, C., et al., 2017, PLoS One - Effects of tesamorelin (TH9507), a growth hormone-releasing factor analog, in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients with excess abdominal fat: a pooled analysis of two multicenter, double-blind placebo-controlled phase 3 trials with safety extension data
Falutz, J., Mamputu, J.C., Potvin, D., et al., 2006, Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism - FDA Approval Package for Egrifta (tesamorelin) for injection
US Food and Drug Administration, 2010, FDA Drug Approval Package - Effects of growth hormone-releasing hormone on cognitive function in adults with mild cognitive impairment and healthy older adults: results of a controlled trial
Baker, L.D., Barsness, S.M., Borson, S., et al., 2012, Archives of Neurology - Growth hormone-releasing hormone effects on brain γ-aminobutyric acid levels in mild cognitive impairment and healthy aging
Friedman, S.D., Baker, L.D., Borson, S., et al., 2013, JAMA Neurology - Injectable Peptide Therapy: A Primer for Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Physicians
Mayfield CK, Bolia IK, Feingold CL, 2026, Am J Sports Med - Therapeutic Peptides in Aesthetic, Metabolic and Endocrine Conditions: Effects, Safety, Clinical Applications, and Future Perspectives
Renke G, Chinellato L, 2026, Int J Mol Sci - Pharmacologic Treatments for the Preservation of Lean Body Mass During Weight Loss
Arora G, Conde KR, Desouza CV, 2026, J Clin Med - Injectable Peptides in Sports Medicine: A Structured Narrative Review of Evidence, Safety, and Antidoping Implications
Villegas Meza AD, Nocek M, Mitchell BC, 2026, JBJS Rev - Peptide Ligation at High Dilution via Reductive Diselenide-Selenoester Ligation
Chisholm TS, Kulkarni SS, Hossain KR, 2020, J Am Chem Soc - FDA Drug Label: EGRIFTA SV (BLA022505)
U.S. Food & Drug Administration, FDA Drug Label