Tesamorelin — the only approved GHRH analogue.
Tesamorelin is a stabilised GHRH analogue and the only one with FDA approval — marketed as Egrifta for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. It is specifically studied for reduction of visceral adipose tissue.
- Synthetic GHRH analogue stabilised against enzymatic breakdown, giving longer action than sermorelin.
- The only GHRH analogue with regulatory approval (as Egrifta in the US) — for reducing visceral fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
- Phase 3 trials showed roughly 15–18% reduction in visceral adipose tissue, with reliable GH/IGF-1 elevation.
- Not EMA-approved in the EU; research-grade material is for laboratory use only.
- A complex 44-amino-acid peptide where purity verification matters.
What is Tesamorelin?
Tesamorelin is a synthetic GHRH analogue stabilised against enzymatic degradation, giving it a longer effective action than Sermorelin. It stimulates pituitary GH release and downstream IGF-1. Its FDA approval (as Egrifta) is specifically for reducing excess visceral abdominal fat in HIV patients with lipodystrophy — the only GHRH analogue to achieve regulatory approval for any indication.
What does the research show?
What to look for when buying in Europe
The most clinically validated GHRH analogue. Research-grade tesamorelin should be ≥98% HPLC with mass-spec confirmation. A complex 44-amino acid peptide — purity verification matters.
Molecular information
Pharmacokinetics
Compare Tesamorelin across EU suppliers
8 EU vendors · COA-verified · from €33.97 · Updated monthly
Frequently asked questions
What is tesamorelin? ▾
Tesamorelin is a synthetic analogue of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), stabilised so it lasts longer than sermorelin. It stimulates the pituitary to release growth hormone and downstream IGF-1.
What is tesamorelin approved for? ▾
In the US it is approved as Egrifta specifically to reduce excess visceral abdominal fat in HIV patients with lipodystrophy. It is the only GHRH analogue to gain regulatory approval for any indication.
Is tesamorelin available in the EU? ▾
There is no EMA-approved version in the EU. Research-grade tesamorelin from EU vendors is for laboratory research only. Patients needing GH-axis treatment should consult an endocrinologist.
What did the clinical trials show? ▾
Phase 3 trials in HIV lipodystrophy showed roughly 15–18% reduction in visceral adipose tissue and reliable increases in GH and IGF-1, without major perturbation of glucose.
How is tesamorelin different from sermorelin? ▾
Both are GHRH analogues, but tesamorelin is stabilised against enzymatic degradation, giving it a longer effective action and the strongest clinical evidence in its class.
What are the main safety considerations? ▾
Because it raises GH and IGF-1, monitoring of these axes is relevant in a clinical context. Research-grade material additionally carries purity and sterility uncertainty.
What should a tesamorelin COA show? ▾
A batch-matched certificate with ≥98% HPLC purity and mass-spec identity confirmation. As a 44-amino-acid peptide it is synthesis-intensive, so verification matters.
Is tesamorelin banned in sport? ▾
Yes. As a growth-hormone secretagogue/GHRH analogue it falls under prohibited substances in anti-doping rules.
References
- Phase 3 randomised placebo-controlled trial showing tesamorelin reduced visceral fat by ~18% in HIV patients with abdominal fat accumulation. Falutz J, et al. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2010;53(3):311–322. DOI PubMed 20101189
- Original NEJM trial of the GHRH-releasing factor in HIV patients establishing the visceral-fat effect. Falutz J, et al. N Engl J Med. 2007;357(23):2359–2370. DOI PubMed 18057338
- Pooled analysis of two Phase 3 trials with safety-extension data. Falutz J, et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010;95(9):4291–4304. DOI PubMed 20554713