Tesamorelin overview

Tesamorelin is a synthetic analog of growth hormone–releasing hormone (GHRH) designed to stimulate the pituitary to release endogenous growth hormone (GH), which then increases IGF-1 production downstream.

Body-composition and metabolic effects

Selective reduction in visceral fat (VAT)

Randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 3 studies showed tesamorelin selectively reduces VAT (commonly reported around ~15% over ~26 weeks) with much less effect on subcutaneous fat or overall body weight. (New England Journal of Medicine)

Longer-term data and durability

Published analyses and extensions report VAT reductions maintained with continued therapy (e.g., through ~52 weeks in studied cohorts), and note that VAT can rebound after discontinuation—so results may not persist if treatment stops. (PMC)

Liver fat and metabolic markers (evidence base evolving)

Beyond VAT, tesamorelin has been studied for metabolic and hepatic endpoints in HIV populations, including effects on body composition and liver fat in some trial designs and syntheses of randomized evidence. (PubMed)

How tesamorelin works

Tesamorelin binds GHRH receptors in the pituitary, increasing pulsatile GH secretion and raising IGF-1 levels. This endocrine shift is understood to contribute to its VAT-reducing effects in the HIV lipodystrophy indication. (NCBI)

Safety and use limitations

Key label points include:

• Indicated for reduction of excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected adults with lipodystrophy.

• Not indicated for weight-loss management (described as weight-neutral).

• Long-term cardiovascular safety has not been established; continuation should be weighed against benefit if VAT reduction is not achieved. (FDA Access Data)

Tesamorelin specifications

• CAS Number: 218949-48-5 (PubChem)

• Molecular Formula: C₂₂₁H₃₆₆N₇₂O₆₇S (PubChem)

• Peptide class/length: synthetic GHRH analog (44-amino-acid peptide backbone, with stabilizing modification) (NCBI)

• Common form (brand): sterile powder for injection (EGRIFTA products); administered subcutaneously per label (FDA Access Data)

References

1. FDA Prescribing Information (EGRIFTA WR) – indications, limitations, and safety statements. (FDA Access Data)

2. Falutz J, et al. Metabolic Effects of a Growth Hormone–Releasing Factor Analog for HIV-Associated Abdominal Fat Accumulation (NEJM, 2007) – pivotal randomized trial evidence for VAT reduction. (New England Journal of Medicine)

3. Fourman LT, et al. Visceral Fat Reduction with Tesamorelin… (open-access review/analysis, 2017) – summarizes Phase 3 VAT effects and related outcomes. (PMC)

4. Russo SC, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Tesamorelin in People with HIV… (open-access, 2024) – modern synthesis/overview of VAT reduction magnitudes and safety context. (PMC)

5. NCBI Bookshelf (LiverTox). Tesamorelin – mechanism (GHRH receptor → GH → IGF-1) and clinical context. (NCBI)

6. ClinicalTrials.gov. TH9507 extension study – trial design details including CT-based VAT assessment through ~52 weeks. (ClinicalTrials.gov)

7. NIH PubChem. Tesamorelin compound record – CAS and molecular formula. (PubChem)

Complete Disclaimer

This product is sold exclusively for laboratory research purposes under Section 351 of the Public Health Service Act. It is not intended for human or veterinary use, nor for diagnostic, therapeutic, or cosmetic applications. Purchaser certifies they are properly licensed and equipped to handle research compounds in compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations. EaglePeptidesUSA assumes no liability for misuse or unauthorized handling. By purchasing, you affirm this material will not be introduced into interstate commerce or used in food/drug products.