# Tesamorelin

> Evidence tier S — Approved · GH & Growth · reviewed 2026-11-08
> Source page: https://peptidemeta.com/p/tesamorelin/

Also known as: Egrifta, Egrifta SV, Egrifta WR, TH9507

## Quick answers

**What is Tesamorelin?**

An FDA-approved GHRH analog specifically indicated for HIV-associated lipodystrophy.

**How strong is the evidence for Tesamorelin?**

Tier S (approved) on the peptidemeta evidence scale. FDA-approved (Egrifta) to reduce excess abdominal fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy, based on phase 3 RCTs.

**Is Tesamorelin FDA-approved?**

Yes. The FDA approved Tesamorelin (Egrifta) in 2010. Reduction of excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV and lipodystrophy.

**Is Tesamorelin banned in sport?**

Yes. Tesamorelin is prohibited in sport by the World Anti-Doping Agency under S2 (peptide hormones, growth factors, related substances and mimetics).

**How does Tesamorelin work?**

Tesamorelin is a synthetic GHRH analog with a trans-3-hexenoic acid modification that increases enzymatic stability. It binds the GHRH receptor on pituitary somatotrophs, stimulating physiological GH release.

**What is known about the safety of Tesamorelin?**

FDA-approved (Egrifta) with Phase III safety data. Common side effects: injection site reactions, arthralgia, peripheral edema, myalgia.

## Key facts

- **Evidence tier:** S (Approved)
- **FDA:** approved 2010 (Egrifta)
- **WADA:** prohibited (S2)
- **Peptide:** yes
- **Routes studied:** Subcutaneous, Intramuscular

## Overview

An FDA-approved GHRH analog specifically indicated for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. It reduces visceral fat while preserving subcutaneous fat and lean mass.

## Mechanism

Tesamorelin is a synthetic GHRH analog with a trans-3-hexenoic acid modification that increases enzymatic stability. It binds the GHRH receptor on pituitary somatotrophs, stimulating physiological GH release. The resulting GH and IGF-1 elevation promotes visceral adipose lipolysis while preserving subcutaneous fat distribution.

## Effects reported in research

_Reported outcomes, not promises; see the evidence tier._

- Significant visceral fat reduction
- Increased IGF-1 to physiological levels
- Improved lipid profiles
- Preserved lean body mass

## Safety & unknowns

FDA-approved (Egrifta) with Phase III safety data. Common side effects: injection site reactions, arthralgia, peripheral edema, myalgia. Contraindicated in active malignancy and pregnancy. Monitor IGF-1 levels during treatment.

## Status sources

- [FDA label (DailyMed): Egrifta SV (tesamorelin)](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=3d783378-b02d-4f19-99dd-0fc91a042224)
- [WADA 2026 Prohibited List](https://www.wada-ama.org/en/prohibited-list)

---

Educational reference only — not medical advice. No dosing information is published. Tiers rate the strength of published evidence, not effectiveness or safety.