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FDA-approved

Digestive & weight

Tesamorelin

EvidenceFDA approved
ClassGHRH analog

Tesamorelin (Egrifta) is an FDA-approved growth hormone-releasing hormone analog that reduces excess abdominal fat in people with HIV-associated lipodystrophy.

Reviewed by
William Maish, MD MBA MPH, Clinical Product Lead
Published
April 18, 2026
Last updated
October 5, 2026

Key takeaway

Tesamorelin (sold as Egrifta) is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone used to reduce excess abdominal fat in people with HIV who have lipodystrophy. It prompts the body's own pituitary to release growth hormone, which breaks down fat, and visceral fat is particularly responsive. It has been FDA-approved in the U.S. since 2010 and is given as a daily subcutaneous injection.

At a glance

What it isA growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog peptide
Approved forReduction of excess abdominal fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy
Key factIn trials it reduced visceral abdominal fat by roughly 11 to 18 percent versus little change on placebo
RouteSubcutaneous injection, once daily
Evidence strengthFDA approved

What is tesamorelin?

Tesamorelin, sold under the brand Egrifta, is a stabilized synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), the hypothalamic signal that tells the pituitary to release growth hormone. It is used specifically for the deep abdominal fat that can accumulate in people with HIV, a condition called lipodystrophy. It was developed under the code TH9507 and approved in the United States in 2010.

How does tesamorelin work?

Tesamorelin binds GHRH receptors on the pituitary and stimulates the gland to release its own growth hormone in a natural, pulsatile pattern, which in turn raises insulin-like growth factor 1. One of growth hormone's effects is lipolysis, the breakdown of fat, and visceral (intra-abdominal) fat is particularly responsive. By boosting the body's own growth hormone rather than supplying growth hormone directly, tesamorelin reduces that deep abdominal fat.

The table below shows how visceral adipose tissue1 changed in the HIV lipodystrophy trials.

GroupChange in visceral adipose tissue
Tesamorelin, at 6 monthsReduced by roughly 11 percent
Tesamorelin, with continued treatmentReduction approaching 18 percent
PlaceboChanged little

The fat tends to return if treatment stops, because the underlying driver is unchanged.

Is it FDA-approved?

Yes. Tesamorelin was approved2 by the FDA in 2010 as Egrifta, with later formulations marketed as Egrifta SV and Egrifta WR. It is given as a daily subcutaneous injection.

What is tesamorelin prescribed for?

Tesamorelin is prescribed to reduce excess abdominal fat in people with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. It is not approved for general weight loss, and it is contraindicated:

  • In pregnancy
  • In active cancer
  • When the pituitary axis has been disrupted

What are the side effects?

According to the prescribing information, common side effects include:

  • Injection-site reactions
  • Joint, muscle, and limb pain
  • Swelling from fluid retention

More serious considerations include:

  • Higher blood sugar and glucose intolerance
  • Fluid retention
  • An increased risk of new tumors, so any existing cancer should be inactive and fully treated before starting
  • Raised IGF-1 levels, which are monitored during treatment
  • Allergic reactions

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Sources: FDA prescribing information for Egrifta; a randomized trial of tesamorelin in HIV lipodystrophy (Falutz et al., Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, 2010, DOI: 10.1097/QAI.0b013e3181cbdaff1), indexed on PubMed. This document is educational and does not constitute medical advice.