Tesamorelin
Tesamorelin is a synthetic 44-amino acid polypeptide analogue of human Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) developed by Theratechnologies, Inc. and approved by the FDA in 2010 as the first and only medication specifically indicated for reducing excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy.
The peptide features enhanced stability and potency through N-terminal modification with a trans-3-hexenoic acid group, providing greater resistance to enzymatic degradation than endogenous GHRH. This structural enhancement results in superior therapeutic efficacy and improved pharmacological properties.
Beyond its FDA-approved indication, tesamorelin demonstrates significant research potential for metabolic disorders, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), insulin resistance, and visceral adiposity reduction. Its mechanism through growth hormone stimulation offers unique therapeutic benefits while preserving natural hormonal feedback mechanisms.
Overview
Tesamorelin demonstrates enhanced pharmacokinetic properties compared to endogenous GHRH, contributing to its unique therapeutic profile. The peptide is metabolized primarily through local receptor-mediated pathways and excreted through urine, with detectability up to several days post-administration using specialized assay methods.
Chemical structure & Properties
- Molecular Formula: C₂₂₁H₃₆₆N₇₂O₆₇S
- Molecular Weight: 5135.9 Daltons (free base)
- Sequence: 44-amino acid synthetic analogue of human GHRH with trans-3-hexenoic acid modification
- Half-life: 26-38 minutes (subcutaneous administration)
- Stability: Enhanced resistance to dipeptidyl aminopeptidase degradation, superior to native GHRH
Mechanism of Action
Tesamorelin exerts its therapeutic effects through multiple interconnected molecular pathways:
Areas Investigated in
the Research Literature
Current Clinical Evidence
Safety Profile and Considerations
Regulatory Status and Legal Considerations
Regulatory information current as of 28 August 2026. This is a summary, not legal or medical advice, and status can change.
FDA Status
- Classification: Prescription medication for HIV-associated lipodystrophy
- Approval Status: FDA-approved for specific indication (2010). Egrifta SV was approved in 2019 and Egrifta WR in March 2025.
- Compounding: Available through specialty pharmacies only
- Regulatory Position: Approved with established safety and efficacy profile
International Status
- Classification: Prohibited under S2 at all times; tesamorelin is named as a GHRH analogue.
- Athletic Use: Banned in competitive sports
- Testing: Detectable in anti-doping screenings
Legal Availability
- Commercial Status: FDA approved for one specific indication. Not approved for any other use.
- Market Presence: Distributed through specialty pharmacy networks
- Quality Control: FDA-regulated manufacturing and distribution standards
- Clinical Use: Approved for medical use with physician supervision
Conclusion
What the evidence supports
Tesamorelin is a growth-hormone-releasing hormone analog supported by controlled trials in HIV-associated lipodystrophy, for which it is FDA approved (Egrifta, with Egrifta SV in 2019 and Egrifta WR in 2025). Uses outside that indication are off-label and are not established by the same evidence, and it is prohibited under WADA. This page summarizes the published research and nothing further.
TESAMORELIN SCIENTIFIC
DATA SUMMARY
About this library
This library is published for education. It summarizes published research on compounds studied in this field. Many have no approved medical use, and several cannot lawfully be compounded in the United States. The presence of a page here does not mean Paragon offers that compound. Nothing on these pages is an offer to treat.
This page is general education about a compound studied in this field. Nothing here is medical advice, a recommendation, or an offer to prescribe or supply. A page appearing in this library does not mean Paragon Sports Medicine offers that compound.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Tesamorelin is FDA-approved only for the reduction of excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy. Patients should consult with qualified healthcare providers before considering any peptide therapy.
Statements on this page have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Many peptides described here are not FDA approved for the uses discussed, and some cannot lawfully be compounded in the United States. Nothing on this page is medical advice or a recommendation for any individual. Whether any therapy is appropriate depends on your history, your laboratory results, and a clinical evaluation. Individual results vary. This page is published for education. Use of this site does not create a physician-patient relationship.