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Peptide profile · Endocrine

Tesamorelin

A growth-hormone-releasing hormone analogue approved for a narrow indication: reduction of excess abdominal fat in people with HIV-associated lipodystrophy.

FDA-approved
GradeBModerate (RCTs, limited scope)
Last reviewed 2026-07-22Updated 2026-08-08

Quick facts

Classification
GHRH analogue peptide
Target / mechanism
Growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor (pituitary)
Development status
Marketed for a specific indication; investigated in other settings
Regulatory status
FDA-approved
Evidence level
Moderate (RCTs, limited scope)
Therapeutic area
Endocrine / metabolic
Route / formulation
Subcutaneous injection

What it is

Tesamorelin stimulates endogenous growth hormone release rather than supplying growth hormone directly. Its approval is limited to a defined patient population.

How it works

By binding pituitary GHRH receptors it increases pulsatile growth hormone secretion, which in turn raises IGF-1 and influences lipolysis in visceral adipose tissue.

What it has been studied for

  • HIV-associated lipodystrophy with excess visceral adiposity
  • Investigational work in metabolic liver disease and cognition

Approved uses

  • Reduction of excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy

Safety and side effects

Reported effects include injection-site reactions, arthralgia, peripheral oedema, myalgia, and increases in blood glucose or IGF-1 requiring monitoring.

Warnings and contraindications

Contraindicated in active malignancy, disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis in specific circumstances, and pregnancy.
Not approved or evidenced as a general anti-ageing, body-composition, or performance intervention.

Compounded / research status

Off-label and compounded use outside the approved population is not supported by the approval and has not been evaluated for that context.

Investigational uses

Studies in hepatic steatosis and cognitive endpoints have been reported at small scale; these remain investigational.

Frequently asked questions

References

  • FDA prescribing informationU.S. Food and Drug Administration
  • Pivotal lipodystrophy trialsPeer-reviewed clinical literature

Reference entries are editorial placeholders describing source type and origin. Primary documents are linked as each profile is expanded.

Editorial disclaimer

This site is educational and does not provide medical advice, dosing protocols, or treatment recommendations. Regulatory status and evidence strength differ sharply between compounds. A “research use only” label does not indicate that a product is appropriate for human use. Decisions about medicines belong with a qualified clinician.
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