Tesamorelin
A synthetic GHRH analogue approved by the FDA (Egrifta) for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Included here as a reference profile only.
| Total citations | 4 |
|---|---|
| Human clinical studies | 3 |
| Animal models | 0 |
| In vitro studies | 0 |
| Reviews / meta-analyses | 1 |
Mechanism of action
Tesamorelin is trans-3-hexenoyl-hGRF(1-44)-NH2 — the full 44-residue human GRF sequence with a hexenoyl moiety on the N-terminal tyrosine. It is a GHRH-receptor agonist at pituitary somatotrophs, stimulating endogenous pulsatile GH release and consequent hepatic IGF-1 production.
The N-terminal modification confers resistance to DPP-4 degradation, prolonging activity relative to native GRF. Resulting GH/IGF-1 axis activation increases lipolysis, preferentially reducing visceral adipose tissue and hepatic fat.
Peer-reviewed literature
Study type is tagged on every entry so animal and in-vitro findings are never mistaken for human clinical evidence.
Metabolic effects of a growth hormone-releasing factor in patients with HIV
Pivotal phase 3 trial in HIV-associated abdominal fat accumulation.
Long-term safety and effects of tesamorelin, a growth hormone-releasing factor analogue, in HIV patients with abdominal fat accumulation
Extension study reporting longer-term safety and durability of effect.
Effects of tesamorelin on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in HIV: a randomised, double-blind, multicentre trial
Randomised trial reporting reduction in hepatic fat fraction.
Tesamorelin: a review of its use in the management of HIV-associated lipodystrophy
Clinical review of efficacy and safety across the trial programme.
Limitations & open questions
Tesamorelin is an FDA-approved prescription medicine. It is a regulated drug product, not a research chemical.