Tesamorelin
FDA-approvedFDA-approved stabilised GHRH analog
Also known as: TH9507, Egrifta
Tesamorelin is a stabilised GHRH analog and the only growth-hormone secretagogue with FDA approval specifically for reducing excess visceral fat (in HIV-associated lipodystrophy).
Molecular & research data
- Sequence
- trans-3-hexenoyl-GHRH(1-44) analog
- CAS number
- 218949-48-5
- Molecular formula
- C221H366N72O67S
- Molecular weight
- 5135.9 g/mol
- Half-life
- ≈26–38 minutes
- Primary targets
- GHRH receptor
- Routes (research)
- Subcutaneous
- Storage
- Lyophilised: −20 °C. Reconstituted: 2–8 °C, use within weeks.
Overview
Tesamorelin is a synthetic analog of growth-hormone-releasing hormone, based on the full natural GHRH(1-44) sequence with a chemical modification at the N-terminus that improves stability against enzymatic breakdown. It is one of the few peptides in this database with a specific FDA approval — marketed as Egrifta for reducing excess visceral fat in people with HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
Mechanism of action
Like other GHRH analogs, Tesamorelin binds the GHRH receptor on the pituitary, stimulating the natural pulsatile release of growth hormone and a downstream rise in IGF-1. The clinically notable consequence is lipolysis — particularly the breakdown of visceral adipose tissue, the metabolically active fat surrounding the organs.
Its stabilised structure gives it a longer functional profile than the short fragment Sermorelin, while still producing a physiological GH pattern rather than the multi-day exposure of CJC-1295 with DAC.
Common research uses
- Reduction of visceral adipose tissue (its approved indication)
- Metabolic and body-composition research
- Investigations into cognitive and other GH/IGF-1-mediated endpoints
Because it is an approved drug, Tesamorelin has a more robust clinical evidence base than most compounds catalogued here.
Compare Tesamorelin
Tesamorelin FAQ
What is Tesamorelin approved for?+
It is FDA-approved (as Egrifta) to reduce excess abdominal (visceral) fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
How does Tesamorelin differ from Sermorelin?+
Both are GHRH analogs, but Tesamorelin is based on the full GHRH(1-44) sequence with an N-terminal modification that improves stability, and it carries a specific approval for visceral fat reduction.
Does Tesamorelin reduce fat directly?+
Indirectly. By raising endogenous growth hormone, it promotes lipolysis, with the most-studied effect being reduction of visceral adipose tissue.
References
Related peptides
Sermorelin
FDA-approvedShort-acting GHRH(1-29) analog
Sermorelin is a GHRH analog made of the first 29 amino acids of growth-hormone-releasing hormone — the shortest fragment that retains full activity. It was FDA-approved for diagnostic and therapeutic use before being commercially discontinued.
CJC-1295
In clinical trialsLong-acting GHRH analog
CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) engineered for a dramatically extended half-life, studied for its ability to raise growth hormone and IGF-1 levels.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-26. Information is provided for research and educational reference only — see our disclaimer.