Tesamorelin

An FDA-approved GHRH analog indicated for the reduction of excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy. It is a 44-amino acid peptide with a trans-3-hexenoic acid modification that enhances stability.

• Activates GHRH receptors on the anterior pituitary to stimulate endogenous GH secretion
• Trans-3-hexenoic acid group enhances resistance to enzymatic degradation
• Increased GH and IGF-1 promote lipolysis, particularly in visceral adipose tissue

• Active malignancy or disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis from tumor or surgery
• Pregnancy (Category X)
• Known hypersensitivity to tesamorelin or mannitol
• Pituitary gland surgery or irradiation

Store unreconstituted vials at 2–8°C (36–46°F), protected from light. Use immediately after reconstitution. Do not freeze.

Tesamorelin received FDA approval in 2010 for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Phase III trials demonstrated an average 15-18% reduction in visceral adipose tissue over 26 weeks. More recent research has explored its potential cognitive benefits, with a 2020 study showing improvements in executive function and verbal memory in adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease.