Tesamorelin
Also known as Egrifta, Egrifta SV, Egrifta WR
Tesamorelin is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It is FDA-approved, as Egrifta, for one indication: reducing excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV who have lipodystrophy.
By [Author name]. Licensed pharmacist review: pending. Last updated .
Identity
- Developer
- Theratechnologies
- Brand names
- Egrifta (2010), Egrifta SV, Egrifta WR
- Structure
- All 44 amino acids of human GHRH with a trans-3-hexenoyl group on the N-terminus
- Molecular formula
- C221H366N72O67S (PubChem)
- Molar mass
- about 5,136 g/mol
- Half-life
- About 26 to 38 minutes (prescribing information).
What the research covers
Approval rested on two Phase 3 trials in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy, the first published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2007, which measured visceral adipose tissue by CT scan over 26 weeks.
Researchers have also studied tesamorelin in fatty liver disease in people with HIV. Those are separate investigations and not approved uses.
Summaries describe what studies measured, not what a substance does for anyone. Nothing here is a claim of benefit or a basis for use.
Regulatory status
- FDA-approved as Egrifta (2010), with later formulations Egrifta SV and Egrifta WR. Prescription only, for its labeled indication.
- Tesamorelin sold as a research chemical is not the approved product; the August 2026 FDA warning letters to peptide sellers named tesamorelin.
Anti-doping (WADA)
Prohibited at all times under S2 as a GHRH analog.
Follow changes on the FDA peptide status tracker.
Tesamorelin questions
Is tesamorelin the same as sermorelin?
No. Sermorelin is GHRH(1-29). Tesamorelin is the full 44-amino-acid GHRH with a modification that slows its breakdown.