Tesamorelin

Growth hormone–releasing hormone (GHRH) analog

What It Is

A synthetic GHRH analog that, unlike most other GHRH-pathway peptides in this database, has gone through the full FDA drug-approval process for a specific indication.

Proposed Mechanism

Stimulates the pituitary gland to release growth hormone via the natural GHRH receptor pathway.

Areas Researchers Are Investigating

• Effects on visceral fat in other populations beyond the currently approved indication
• Metabolic and lipid-related outcomes
• Potential cognitive-research applications (early-stage)

Human Evidence

Supported by randomized controlled trials sufficient for FDA approval in its specific approved indication — a meaningfully stronger evidence tier than most compounds in this database, though narrower in approved scope than semaglutide/tirzepatide.

Animal / Preclinical Evidence

Standard preclinical pharmacology/toxicology package preceding its approved human trials.

Current FDA / Regulatory Status

FDA-approved under the brand name Egrifta, specifically for reduction of excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy. This is a narrow, specific approval — it should never be generalized into a blanket "FDA-approved for fat loss" claim.

Known Safety Information

Prescribing information includes indication-specific warnings and monitoring requirements. General information only — not individualized guidance; actual use requires a licensed provider familiar with the approved indication and the patient's specific history.

Limitations of Evidence

Evidence base is specific to the approved population (HIV-associated lipodystrophy); extrapolation to other populations or goals is not supported by the same evidence and should be labeled as such.