Product Overview
Tesamorelin is distinguished from other growth hormone-releasing peptides (GHRPs) by its clinical efficacy, regulatory approval, and safety profile in the treatment of HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Tesamorelin is a synthetic growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analogue, whereas GHRPs (such as GHRP-2, GHRP-6, and hexarelin) act via a different receptor and mechanism, often used investigationally or off-label.
In randomized controlled trials, tesamorelin has demonstrated significant and sustained reduction in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy, with improvements in metabolic parameters such as triglycerides and C-reactive protein, and no worsening of glycemic control or significant changes in subcutaneous fat. The odds of achieving clinically meaningful VAT reduction are nearly fourfold higher with tesamorelin compared to placebo, and benefits are maintained with ongoing therapy.[1-5] Tesamorelin is the only peptide with FDA approval for this indication, and its safety profile is well characterized, with most adverse events being mild and related to injection site reactions or known effects of increased GH (e.g., arthralgia, peripheral edema).[3][6]
By contrast, other GHRPs have shown potent GH-releasing effects and some efficacy in increasing IGF-1 and improving body composition in various hyposecretory states, but lack robust, long-term clinical outcome data and regulatory approval for VAT reduction or HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Their use remains investigational, and clinical outcomes are less well defined.[7-8]
In summary, tesamorelin is superior to other growth hormone-releasing peptides in terms of evidence-based clinical outcomes for VAT reduction in HIV-associated lipodystrophy, with a favorable safety profile and regulatory approval.[1-4][6]
1.Metabolic Effects of a Growth Hormone-Releasing Factor in Obese Subjects With Reduced Growth Hormone Secretion: A Randomized Controlled Trial.Makimura H, Feldpausch MN, Rope AM, et al.The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2012;97(12):4769-79. doi:10.1210/jc.2012-2794.
2.Predictors of Treatment Response to Tesamorelin, a Growth Hormone-Releasing Factor Analog, in HIV-Infected Patients With Excess Abdominal Fat.Mangili A, Falutz J, Mamputu JC, Stepanians M, Hayward B.PloS One. 2015;10(10):e0140358. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0140358.
3.Tesamorelin: A Review of Its Use in the Management of HIV-associated Lipodystrophy.Dhillon S.Drugs. 2011;71(8):1071-91. doi:10.2165/11202240-000000000-00000. Leading Journal
4.Spotlight on Tesamorelin in HIV-associated Lipodystrophy.Dhillon S.BioDrugs : Clinical Immunotherapeutics, Biopharmaceuticals and Gene Therapy. 2011;25(6):405-8. doi:10.2165/11208290-000000000-00000. Leading Journal
5.Effect of Tesamorelin on Visceral Fat and Liver Fat in HIV-Infected Patients With Abdominal Fat Accumulation: A Randomized Clinical Trial.Stanley TL, Feldpausch MN, Oh J, et alJAMA. 2014 Jul 23-30;312(4):380-9. doi:10.1001/jama.2014.8334. Leading Journal
6.EGRIFTA WR. FDA Drug Label.Food and Drug AdministrationUpdated date: 2025-03-31
7.Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptides and Their Analogs.Camanni F, Ghigo E, Arvat E.Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology. 1998;19(1):47-72. doi:10.1006/frne.1997.0158. Leading Journal
8.Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptides.Ghigo E, Arvat E, Muccioli G, Camanni F.European Journal of Endocrinology. 1997;136(5):445-60. doi:10.1530/eje.0.1360445.
