Machine-assisted translation — the German original version is authoritative.
Metabolism & Weight
Tesamorelin
Egrifta
Tesamorelin is a synthetic analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). In the USA it is approved as Egrifta for the treatment of HIV-associated lipodystrophy (increased visceral abdominal fat) and is prescription-only. Its use belongs in medical hands.
Regulatory status
Approved · prescription-only
A medicine approved and prescription-only in the USA for a specific indication.
Drug class
Synthetic GHRH analogue
Half-life (informative)
Short (in the range of minutes); it is therefore administered regularly in the approved use.
Studied in the literature
In the approved use subcutaneous, medically supervised.
Mechanism of action
Tesamorelin stimulates the pituitary gland to synthesize and release the body's own growth hormone. In studies it preferentially reduces visceral adipose tissue (fat around the organs), while subcutaneous fat is less strongly affected.
Action via the endogenous GH axis; effects on glucose metabolism are medically monitored.
Research history
Developed by Theratechnologies. The FDA approval of Egrifta (2010) for HIV-associated lipodystrophy is based, among other things, on double-blind, placebo-controlled studies (Falutz et al., NEJM) that showed a reduction in visceral fat.
Regulatory status by region
Egrifta — approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Use under medical supervision.
No broad EU approval as in the USA; availability restricted.
Research areas
- HIV-associated lipodystrophy (approved indication)
- Visceral fat / fatty liver (MASH) — research
- Investigated in cognition in certain patient groups, among others
Documented effects (from the literature)
- GH-typical effects: joint complaints, water retention, reactions at the injection site.
- Possible influence on glucose metabolism.
Safety concerns & caution
- Contraindications include active tumors and pregnancy.
- Effects on blood glucose/IGF-1 require medical monitoring.
- Off-label or unsupervised use is not covered by the approval.
Risks of gray-market purchase
- Vials sold as "research" tesamorelin are not quality-tested.
- Use outside the approved indication and without supervision increases the risk.
Frequently asked questions
What is tesamorelin approved for?
In the USA (Egrifta) for HIV-associated lipodystrophy — that is, a narrowly defined medical indication, not as a general weight-loss agent.
Is it available in Europe?
It does not have a broad EU approval as in the USA; availability is restricted.
Sources
Primary and reference sources for your own reading.
Related substances
Unfamiliar terms? Look them up in the glossary or read the fundamentals.
This profile is for information and education only. It is not medical advice and deliberately contains no dosing or usage details. Decisions about use belong in a doctor’s hands.