| Compound | Tesamorelin |
|---|---|
| Category | GHRH analog (approved) |
| Class | Growth Hormone and Growth Factors |
| Evidence tier | Approved medicine |
| WADA status | Prohibited in sport (or falls under a prohibited class) — see the WADA reference table |
| Sold on this site | No — this is a reference database |
Overview
Tesamorelin is catalogued here as a ghrh analog (approved) and graded at the "Approved medicine" evidence tier. This compound exists as an approved medicine in at least one major jurisdiction. Approval applies to specific, labeled indications and to the regulated product — not to compounded or research-grade copies.
A stabilized GHRH analog approved as Egrifta SV for the reduction of excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected adults with lipodystrophy — one of the few approved peptides in the GH axis.
Mechanism of Action
Tesamorelin stimulates endogenous GH pulsatility via the pituitary GHRH receptor; the resulting change in lipid partitioning reduces visceral adipose accumulation characteristic of HIV lipodystrophy.
Research and Evidence
Registrational randomized trials demonstrated significant visceral adipose tissue reduction versus placebo in HIV lipodystrophy, supporting FDA approval for that narrow indication.
Safety and Side Effects
Common effects include injection-site reactions, arthralgia, and edema. It is prescription-only, and use outside the approved indication is off-label. Prohibited in sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the evidence tier of Tesamorelin?
Tesamorelin is graded "Approved medicine" on this site. This compound exists as an approved medicine in at least one major jurisdiction. Approval applies to specific, labeled indications and to the regulated product — not to compounded or research-grade copies.
Is Tesamorelin an approved medicine?
Tesamorelin exists as an approved medicine in at least one major jurisdiction — but approval covers the regulated product and its labeled indications only. Compounded or research-grade versions of the same molecule are not the approved product.
Where can I read the primary studies for Tesamorelin?
The references section at the end of this entry links the key primary sources — regulator labels, trial registrations, and peer-reviewed papers. Our "How to Read a Peptide Study" guide explains how to evaluate them.
References
Evidence tier: Approved medicine · Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Sources cited below.