Healing, hormones & brain
Tesamorelin
Egrifta
An FDA-approved GHRH analogue that reduces deep belly fat in people with HIV.
What it is
A stabilised synthetic version of growth-hormone-releasing hormone. It is the only approved medicine in its class.
How it's thought to work
It stimulates the pituitary to release growth hormone in a natural, pulsing pattern, which reduces visceral (deep abdominal) fat.
What the evidence shows
Phase 3 trials in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy showed reductions of roughly 15% in visceral fat over 26 weeks versus placebo. It is also being studied for fatty liver disease.
Regulatory status
US FDA approved in 2010 for excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV and lipodystrophy.
Safety notes
Joint pain, injection-site reactions, swelling and muscle pain are common. It can raise blood sugar and is not for use in pregnancy.
Key sources
- Falutz J, et al. Effects of tesamorelin in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010. Find on PubMed
- Egrifta US Prescribing Information.
Educational summary only, not medical advice. Gtides does not sell or link to sellers of Tesamorelin or any other product. Products sold as “research peptides” are not approved medicines, and their contents, purity and sterility are not verified.