Growth hormone axis

Tesamorelin

Reviewed 22 October 2026 · How we research

Also known as: Egrifta, TH9507

What is Tesamorelin?

Tesamorelin is a stabilised version of the body's growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It prompts the pituitary to release growth hormone in its natural pulsatile pattern rather than replacing growth hormone directly.

It is the only GHRH analogue approved by the FDA, under the brand Egrifta, to reduce excess abdominal (visceral) fat in people with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. That trial data on visceral fat is why it is so often searched for “belly fat” and “fat loss”.

How Tesamorelin works

Tesamorelin is the full 44-amino-acid GHRH sequence with a trans-3-hexenoyl group attached to the first amino acid, which protects it from rapid breakdown by DPP-4. It binds GHRH receptors in the pituitary, increasing growth hormone and downstream IGF-1. Growth hormone preferentially mobilises visceral fat, which is why VAT fell in trials while subcutaneous fat changed less.

What the research shows

Phase 3 trial in HIV lipodystrophy: 2 mg daily for 26 weeks reduced visceral adipose tissue by about 15–18% versus placebo, with improved triglycerides.
A 2014 JAMA trial found tesamorelin also reduced liver fat in people with HIV.
Visceral fat reaccumulated after stopping treatment.
Studies in non-HIV populations (such as abdominal obesity) are small and not licensed indications.

Compare: Tesamorelin vs Ipamorelin

Tesamorelin side effects

Injection-site redness, itching and pain.
Joint pain, muscle pain and swelling in the hands/feet (fluid retention typical of raised growth hormone).
Raised blood glucose — monitoring is advised in diabetes.
Raised IGF-1; contraindicated in active cancer and pregnancy.

UK legal status

Tesamorelin is not licensed in the UK or EU — the European marketing application was withdrawn in 2013. It cannot be prescribed in the UK except as an unlicensed import. Research-grade tesamorelin is sold for laboratory use only.

More detail, including current UK research-vial prices: Tesamorelin UK guide. For the doses used in published studies and the reconstitution maths: Tesamorelin dosing in the literature.

Tesamorelin: frequently asked questions

What is tesamorelin used for?

In the US it is approved (as Egrifta) to reduce excess abdominal visceral fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy.

Does tesamorelin burn belly fat?

In phase 3 trials it reduced visceral (deep abdominal) fat by about 15–18% over 26 weeks in people with HIV. Fat returned after stopping.

Tesamorelin vs ipamorelin — what is the difference?

Tesamorelin mimics GHRH and acts on GHRH receptors; ipamorelin mimics ghrelin and acts on the GHS receptor. They raise growth hormone by different routes. See the comparison.

Is tesamorelin legal in the UK?

It is not licensed in the UK, so it cannot be sold for human use. It is available only as a research chemical.

References

Falutz J, et al. Metabolic effects of a growth hormone-releasing factor in patients with HIV. N Engl J Med. 2007;357:2359–2370.
Stanley TL, et al. Effect of tesamorelin on visceral fat and liver fat in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2014;312:380–389.
Falutz J, et al. Effects of tesamorelin in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation: pooled analysis of two phase 3 trials. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010;95:4291–4304.

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