Tesamorelin (Egrifta)

An FDA-approved GHRH analog that reduces deep belly (visceral) fat in people with HIV-related lipodystrophy.

Evidence: Extensive clinical research
Half-life: ~30 min
Sources: 3 cited

Is tesamorelin FDA-approved?

FDA-approved since 2010 for excess belly fat in HIV lipodystrophy.

Is tesamorelin banned in sport?

Banned in sport by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Overview

Tesamorelin is a stabilized form of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It prompts the pituitary to release more of your own growth hormone. In a 26-week phase 3 trial in people with HIV and excess belly fat, visceral fat dropped about 15%, versus a 5% rise on placebo. It's also been studied for fatty liver in people with HIV.

How it works

It binds GHRH receptors in the pituitary, which releases growth hormone in its natural pulses. Growth hormone then raises IGF-1 and helps break down visceral fat.

How long does tesamorelin stay in the body?

About 26–38 minutes, but growth hormone and IGF-1 stay raised much longer.

What it's studied for

Visceral fat in HIV lipodystrophy
Fatty liver in HIV
Body composition

Reported side effects

Joint pain, muscle pain
Injection-site redness or itching
Swelling in hands and feet
Higher blood sugar

Sources

The studies and prescribing labels this page is written from.