What is Tesamorelin?
Tesamorelin (brand name Egrifta®) is a synthetic analog of human growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) that was FDA-approved in 2010 for the treatment of excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy. It works by stimulating the pituitary gland to produce and release growth hormone, which in turn helps reduce visceral adipose tissue while preserving lean muscle mass.
FDA-Approved GHRH
The only FDA-approved growth hormone releasing hormone analog, specifically indicated for HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
Targeted Fat Reduction
Specifically reduces visceral abdominal fat while preserving lean muscle mass through natural GH stimulation.
Research and Clinical Benefits
Tesamorelin's FDA approval was based on clinical trials demonstrating significant reduction in visceral adipose tissue in HIV patients with lipodystrophy.
- ✓ VAT Reduction: Clinical trials showed 15-18% reduction in visceral adipose tissue over 26 weeks.
- ✓ Muscle Preservation: Maintains lean body mass while specifically targeting abdominal fat deposits.
- ✓ Quality of Life: Significant improvements in abdominal appearance and patient-reported outcomes.
As a GHRH analog, tesamorelin works through the body's natural growth hormone pathways, maintaining physiological feedback mechanisms.
- ✓ GHRH Receptor Binding: Specifically binds to GHRH receptors in the anterior pituitary to stimulate GH release.
- ✓ IGF-1 Elevation: Increases IGF-1 levels through natural hepatic production following GH stimulation.
- ✓ Feedback Preservation: Maintains normal somatostatin feedback control unlike direct GH replacement.
With over a decade of clinical use since FDA approval, tesamorelin has demonstrated a well-established safety profile in clinical practice.
- ! FDA-Approved Drug: Prescription medication requiring medical supervision and monitoring.
- ! Common Side Effects: Injection site reactions, arthralgia, and peripheral edema are most frequently reported.
- ! Glucose Monitoring: May affect glucose tolerance; regular monitoring recommended especially in diabetic patients.
References & Citations
- Falutz, J., et al. (2010). Effects of tesamorelin (TH9507), a growth hormone-releasing factor analog, in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients with excess abdominal fat: a pooled analysis of two multicenter, double-blind placebo-controlled phase 3 trials with safety extension data. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 95(9), 4291-4304. Source.
- Stanley, T. L., et al. (2013). Effects of tesamorelin on inflammatory markers in HIV patients with excess abdominal fat. AIDS, 27(11), 1735-1744. Source.
- Grinspoon, S., et al. (2010). Effects of tesamorelin on glucose metabolism in HIV-infected patients with excess abdominal fat: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Annals of Internal Medicine, 152(10), 639-649. Source.
Ask Dr. John About Tesamorelin
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