Growth Hormone AxisFDA approved with RCT backed data

Egrifta SV / Egrifta WR

Tesamorelin, Stabilized GHRH(1-44) analog

A stabilized synthetic analog of GHRH(1-44) that resists DPP-IV degradation, FDA approved to reduce excess visceral abdominal fat in HIV associated lipodystrophy.

GH / IGF-1 Body composition Metabolic Fat loss

FDA approved

Regulatory status

GHRH-R

Receptor

~26 min

Half life

Mechanism of action

How Tesamorelin works

A stabilized GHRH analog that nudges the pituitary to release growth hormone in natural pulses, how it trims visceral fat while keeping the body's feedback loop intact.

Tesamorelin

GHRH analog

GHRH receptor

Pituitary

Pulsatile GH

↑ IGF-1

Visceral fat ↓

Lipolysis

Also studied

FDA approved to reduce excess visceral abdominal fat in HIV associated lipodystrophy; the effect is modest (~2 cm waist) and reverses on discontinuation.

See related compounds

Works upstream through the pituitary, so GH output stays subject to somatostatin negative feedback, unlike exogenous GH.

See related compounds

Studied off label for liver fat and cardiometabolic markers, with a robust body of evidence around hepatic fat.

See related compounds

Applications

Research applications

Visceral fat reduction

HIV lipodystrophy

Controlled human trial

FDA approved indication

Hepatic fat / NAFLD

Liver fat

Controlled human trial

Off label RCTs

IGF-1 elevation

Pituitary mediated GH

Controlled human trial

Phase 3 trials

Bars indicate how far the evidence has progressed (in vitro to animal to human), not the size of any effect.

Compound data

Molecular profile

CAS number218949-48-5

Molecular formulaC221H366N72O67S

Molecular weightabout 5135.8 g/mol

TypeGHRH(1-44) analog

SequenceStabilized GHRH(1-44) with N terminal trans-3-hexenoyl

AppearanceWhite lyophilized powder

Literature

Key studies

NEJM2007

Metabolic Effects of a Growth Hormone Releasing Factor in Patients with HIV

Falutz J, et al.

Key finding

In a double blind RCT, tesamorelin produced a highly significant, selective reduction in visceral fat with improved lipids over 26 weeks.

View study

Full profile

Evidence, safety & status

Claimed benefits & evidence

FDA approved for reduction of excess visceral abdominal fat in HIV associated lipodystrophy, on the basis of two double blind, randomized, placebo controlled trials. Effects were modest (waist circumference ~2 cm) and not sustained after discontinuation. Also studied off label (e.g., NAFLD). Egrifta SV approved Oct 2019; weekly Egrifta WR approved 2025.

Safety & dangers

Arthralgia, injection site reactions, peripheral edema, extremity pain. Raises IGF-1 (long term oncologic risk unknown). Long term cardiovascular safety beyond one year not established.

Contraindications

Pregnancy; active malignancy; disrupted pituitary axis; hypersensitivity.

Regulatory status

FDA approved (the only drug for HIV lipodystrophy; Theratechnologies). WADA prohibited (S2, named GHRH analog).

Administration

Daily subcutaneous injection.

Source: Fnx Performance Peptide Research Database, a synthesis of the scientific and regulatory literature, not medical advice. Anyone considering these compounds should consult a qualified physician.

For research use only

For Research Use Only. Not for human or animal consumption. Products are sold strictly for in vitro laboratory research, not for compounding or therapeutic application.