Endocrine
Tesamorelin
FDA-approved for one indication (HIV-associated lipodystrophy)
In simple words: A prescription injection that tells your pituitary gland to release more of your own growth hormone.
How it works
It copies growth hormone–releasing hormone (GHRH), raising growth hormone and IGF-1, which helps break down deep belly (visceral) fat.
Targets: GHRH receptor · Class: Growth hormone–releasing hormone (GHRH) analogue
Uses, latest studies & pairings
Typically used for
- Approved: reducing excess deep belly (visceral) fat in adults with HIV and lipodystrophy (Egrifta).
- Studied: fatty liver in people with HIV, where it lowered liver fat.
- Off-label, some clinics prescribe it for visceral fat or to raise growth hormone. That use isn't approved.
Commonly paired with
- Clinics often pair it with ipamorelin or CJC-1295 (other growth-hormone boosters). That combination hasn't been studied in trials, and stacking raises IGF-1 further.
- IGF-1 and blood sugar (glucose and HbA1c) checks, because it can raise both.
Latest studies & news
- Mar 2025
FDA approved Egrifta WR, a new formulation that is mixed once a week instead of daily (still a daily injection) and uses less than half the volume.
Source: Theratechnologies: FDA approval of Egrifta WR (March 2025)
What the research shows
Human clinical evidence
Human- Approved in the US (Egrifta) to reduce excess abdominal fat in people with HIV-associated lipodystrophy, based on trials showing reductions in visceral fat.
- Studied for fatty liver in people with HIV.
Animal and lab results suggest what might happen; they don't prove an effect in people.
Safety & what to watch
- Raises IGF-1; can worsen blood sugar control, and cause joint pain, swelling and injection-site reactions.
- Not for use in pregnancy or with active cancer. IGF-1 and glucose should be monitored.
Amounts
Prescription only, as directed on the label by your prescriber.
📦 My peptide supply kit
The supplies I use, in one Amazon list. Only use them for medicines your clinician prescribes. Never share or reuse needles, and put used ones in a sharps container.
Studies & references
Draft profile pending editorial review. Educational only, not medical advice. Never start, stop or change a medicine without your prescriber.