Tesamorelin

Key points

• Tesamorelin is a 44 amino acid peptide that prompts the pituitary to release the body's own growth hormone.
• It is a licensed medicine in some countries, including the United States (sold as Egrifta), to reduce excess belly fat in adults with HIV related lipodystrophy.
• It is one of the better studied peptides of its kind, with late stage trials behind its approved use.
• It has no UK marketing authorisation, and growth hormone releasing peptides are prohibited in sport.

Quick facts

What it is

GHRH analogue, 44 amino acids

Approved use

Excess abdominal fat in HIV related lipodystrophy (some countries)

UK status

Not a licensed medicine; no UK marketing authorisation

Human evidence

Late stage trials in its approved use; limited elsewhere

In sport

On the WADA Prohibited List

How it works

Tesamorelin acts on GHRH receptors in the pituitary gland, prompting it to release growth hormone in natural pulses, which raises IGF-1. The approved use relies on growth hormone's role in breaking down visceral fat, the fat stored deep in the abdomen. A chemical modification makes it last longer than natural GHRH, while the pituitary's own feedback still applies.

What the evidence shows

Two late stage placebo controlled trials over about six months showed a meaningful reduction in visceral fat in adults with HIV related lipodystrophy, with some improvement in blood fats. The fat tended to return after stopping, so any benefit depends on continued use. Outside this specific condition, the evidence for body composition or anti ageing use is limited.

What it does not settle

• There is little trial evidence for use outside the approved HIV related condition.
• Safety much beyond a year of continuous use is not well established.
• There is no dedicated trial of long term heart or cancer outcomes.

Side effects

Common

• Injection site reactions, fluid retention, and joint or muscle aches, especially early on.
• Tingling in the hands, and raised IGF-1 that needs monitoring.

Less common but serious

• It can reduce the body's tolerance of glucose, which matters for anyone at risk of diabetes.
• It is avoided in active cancer and pituitary tumours, and rare allergic reactions can occur.

Report any suspected side effect through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.

UK legal status and access

Tesamorelin has no UK marketing authorisation, so it is not a licensed medicine here and is not offered by registered clinics or pharmacies for general use. Its licensed use in other countries is a specialist treatment given under medical supervision. Products sold online for other purposes are unlicensed.

Common questions