Tesamorelin
Also known as: TH9507, Egrifta
By GLPeptideSciences Editorial Team · How we evaluate evidence · Reviewed by Dr. George S. Watson, MD, Cardiothoracic Surgeon · Updated 2026-06-02
A stabilized growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog that stimulates the body's own GH output, FDA-approved for HIV-associated visceral fat accumulation.
What it is & how it works
What it is
Tesamorelin is a stabilized analog of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). Rather than supplying growth hormone directly, it prompts the pituitary to release more of the body’s own GH — the same general mechanism as sermorelin and CJC-1295, but as a dedicated, FDA-approved drug.
How it is thought to work
By binding the GHRH receptor it increases pulsatile GH secretion, which in turn raises IGF-1. In its approved indication this is associated with a reduction in visceral (deep abdominal) fat specifically.
The evidence and the caveat
For HIV-associated lipodystrophy, tesamorelin has real human trial support and an approval. Outside that indication — general anti-aging, body recomposition — the evidence thins out quickly and is mostly extrapolated. Because it raises IGF-1, it is not a casual compound and carries the usual GH-axis cautions.
What it's discussed & studied for
- Visceral (deep abdominal) fat reduction
- Growth hormone / IGF-1 support (community discussion)
Discussion of a use is not a claim that it works or is approved.
Research status
FDA-approved (as Egrifta) for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Use outside that indication is off-label and discussed in the community without the same evidence base.
Evidence quality
Strong human trial data exists for its approved indication. Evidence for general anti-aging or body-recomposition use is far weaker and largely extrapolated.
Dosing discussion
A defined clinical dose exists for the approved indication. Any other use is outside validated protocols and not a recommendation.
Educational summary of what is discussed in the literature and community — not a dosing recommendation or medical advice.
Safety & harm reduction
Because it raises GH and IGF-1, considerations include joint discomfort, fluid retention, insulin sensitivity changes, and the general caution around elevating IGF-1. Contraindicated in active malignancy. Not a casual compound.
Sourcing literacy
An approved pharmaceutical product exists; research-market 'tesamorelin' is unapproved and unverified, with the usual identity and purity risks.
Selected literature
FAQ
Is tesamorelin approved?
Yes — it is FDA-approved for HIV-associated visceral fat accumulation. Other uses are off-label.
How is it different from sermorelin or CJC-1295?
All are GHRH-based and stimulate the body's own GH, but tesamorelin is a stabilized analog with a dedicated approval and the strongest trial record of the group for its indication.