Tesamorelin

Tesamorelin stimulates pulsatile GH secretion from the anterior pituitary by binding GHRH receptors. Its stabilisation protects it from rapid enzymatic cleavage by dipeptidyl peptidase IV, extending the effective half-life compared to unmodified GHRH. Downstream effects on visceral adiposity are mediated through elevated IGF-1 and direct lipolytic signalling.

Tesamorelin (GHRH(1-44)-trans-3-hexenoic acid; Egrifta) is a synthetic 44-amino-acid analog of endogenous growth hormone-releasing hormone conjugated with a trans-3-hexenoic acid moiety to confer resistance to DPP-IV enzymatic degradation and extend its plasma stability, developed and approved as the first GHRH analog indicated for a metabolic complication of HIV antiretroviral therapy — specifically visceral adiposity from HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Tesamorelin activates GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs to stimulate pulsatile GH secretion and downstream hepatic IGF-1 production; the resulting normalization of GH pulse amplitude in treated patients reduces visceral adipose tissue through lipolytic signaling in visceral fat depots, without the risk of direct supraphysiological GH administration. A pivotal Phase 3 randomized placebo-controlled trial in HIV-infected adults on antiretroviral therapy demonstrated significant and sustained reductions in visceral adipose tissue area by MRI imaging versus placebo, with a favorable safety profile in this immunocompromised population, providing the pivotal evidence for FDA approval in 2010. Tesamorelin (Egrifta, Theratechnologies) is FDA-approved and requires a prescription; it is indicated specifically for the reduction of excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy and is not approved for general fat loss, body composition improvement, anti-aging, or GH deficiency applications outside the HIV-lipodystrophy indication. Tesamorelin dosage and where to get it: Tesamorelin (Egrifta) is administered as a once-daily subcutaneous injection of 2mg in its FDA-approved indication for HIV-associated lipodystrophy; this is the only dose and indication with established clinical evidence. In off-label research contexts examining body composition and GH axis support in non-HIV populations, tesamorelin has been studied at similar dose ranges, though no approved protocol exists for these applications. Where to find tesamorelin: as an FDA-approved prescription medication, tesamorelin is available through licensed pharmacies in the United States with a valid prescription. Compounding pharmacies may also prepare tesamorelin for off-label clinical use under physician supervision. Telehealth providers specializing in peptide therapy and hormone health sometimes offer tesamorelin consultations for eligible patients. PeptideBase maintains a directory of verified providers — including telehealth platforms — for those researching access to tesamorelin through supervised clinical channels.