Tesamorelin

Approved as EGRIFTA (tesamorelin) for reduction of excess visceral adipose tissue in HIV-associated lipodystrophy.

PubChem CID16137828

FormulaC221H366N72O67S

Mol. Weight5136 g/mol

Sequence

Mechanism of Action

Tesamorelin is the full 44-amino-acid sequence of human growth hormone-releasing hormone with an N-terminal hexenoyl modification that confers resistance to DPP-IV-mediated degradation, extending its half-life relative to native GHRH. It binds the pituitary GHRH receptor to stimulate endogenous GH/IGF-1 axis activity, and has been studied specifically, and successfully in pivotal human trials, for reducing visceral adipose tissue.

GHRH receptor (GHRH-R)

Research Literature

Tesamorelin improves fat quality independent of changes in fat quantity

Human Trial

AIDS · 2021

Pooled analysis found tesamorelin increased visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue density (a marker of healthier fat composition) over 26 weeks, independent of the amount of fat lost.

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Predictors of Treatment Response to Tesamorelin, a Growth Hormone-Releasing Factor Analog, in HIV-Infected Patients with Excess Abdominal Fat

Human Trial

PLoS One · 2015

Pooled analysis of two Phase 3 trials found baseline metabolic syndrome, elevated triglycerides, and other factors predicted greater visceral fat reduction, with tesamorelin patients roughly 4x more likely to achieve a healthy visceral fat threshold than placebo.

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Effects of tesamorelin, a growth hormone-releasing factor, in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation: a randomized placebo-controlled trial with a safety extension

Human Trial

Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes · 2010

In 404 HIV-infected patients, 6-month tesamorelin treatment significantly reduced visceral adipose tissue, waist circumference, and waist-hip ratio versus placebo; a 12-month extension sustained roughly 18% VAT reduction, which reversed after discontinuation.

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