Tesamorelin
Also known as: Egrifta, TH9507
The only FDA-approved GHRH analog — clinically proven for visceral fat reduction.
Growth Hormone Peptides
Tesamorelin
Prescription only. FDA-approved brand is Egrifta. Available through compounding pharmacies with a prescription.
Overview
Tesamorelin is a synthetic GHRH analog that is FDA-approved for the treatment of HIV-associated lipodystrophy (excess visceral fat). It is the only GHRH peptide with full FDA approval and represents the gold standard of evidence for GHRH efficacy. Used off-label for general body composition improvement and GH optimization.
Tesamorelin is a synthetic GHRH analog that holds a distinction no other peptide in this database can claim: it is the only GHRH-class peptide with full FDA approval for a therapeutic indication. Approved in 2010 under the brand name Egrifta, Tesamorelin received regulatory clearance for the treatment of excess visceral abdominal fat (lipodystrophy) in HIV-positive patients receiving antiretroviral therapy. This regulatory history means Tesamorelin has cleared the highest evidentiary bar in medicine — multiple large-scale, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase III trials reviewed by the FDA.
The mechanism behind Tesamorelin's visceral fat effects centers on GH's role in lipid metabolism. GH stimulates lipolysis (fat breakdown) preferentially in visceral adipose tissue — the metabolically active fat that accumulates around internal organs. By stimulating the pituitary to release more GH through GHRH receptor activation, Tesamorelin creates a sustained increase in GH pulsatility that drives accelerated metabolism of visceral fat stores specifically. Importantly, this GH increase remains within physiological ranges due to the pituitary's preserved feedback mechanisms.
The Phase III trials that supported FDA approval are among the most rigorous clinical data for any peptide in this database. The TRIM and STARS trials enrolled hundreds of HIV patients and demonstrated statistically significant reductions in visceral adipose tissue area (measured by CT scan) — approximately 15–17% reduction compared to placebo — alongside improvements in lipid profiles and body image. Critically, these benefits were sustained over 26 weeks of continued treatment and reversed upon discontinuation, confirming the peptide's ongoing mechanism rather than a one-time effect.
Off-label use for non-HIV populations with excess visceral fat has grown substantially as awareness of Tesamorelin's evidence base has spread through the longevity and metabolic health communities. Several compounding pharmacies dispense Tesamorelin under prescriber supervision for this indication. Compared to GLP-1 agonists like Semaglutide, Tesamorelin offers visceral fat reduction without the appetite suppression, GI side effects, or significant lean mass risk — making it an attractive option for patients who are metabolically focused but don't need or want dramatic total weight loss.
Mechanism of Action
Tesamorelin stimulates GHRH receptors in the pituitary, increasing GH production and IGF-1 levels. This leads to enhanced lipolysis (fat breakdown), particularly of visceral adipose tissue, as well as improved muscle metabolism.
Use Cases
- ✓Visceral fat reduction (FDA-approved for HIV lipodystrophy)
- ✓Body composition optimization (off-label)
- ✓Growth hormone optimization
- ✓Metabolic syndrome management
Research Summary
FDA approval was based on two Phase III randomized controlled trials demonstrating significant reductions in visceral adipose tissue in HIV+ patients. Multiple studies also show favorable body composition effects in non-HIV populations.
Explain It Like I'm 5 Years Old
Deep in your belly, there's a type of fat that wraps around your organs — it's stubborn and hard to lose. Tesamorelin gives your pituitary gland a very specific instruction to release more growth hormone, which then tells your body to burn that deep belly fat specifically. Scientists proved it works so well that the government officially approved it as a real medicine.
How the Gym Bros Are Using It
The only fully FDA-approved GHRH peptide — meaning the evidence bar is genuinely high. Originally approved for HIV-associated visceral fat accumulation, increasingly used off-label for anyone with stubborn visceral fat that diet and training won't shift. At 1–2 mg/day, most users see meaningful reduction in belly fat by week 8–12. Gym bros who are lean everywhere but can't get rid of the gut find this particularly effective. Advantage over CJC: the visceral fat targeting is specifically documented in clinical trials. Requires a prescription.
Typical Dosing
1–2 mg/day subcutaneous injection. FDA-approved dose: 2 mg/day.
Administration
Prescription Only
Prescription only. FDA-approved brand is Egrifta. Available through compounding pharmacies with a prescription.
