Description
Overview
Tesamorelin is a synthetic growth-hormone-releasing hormone analog modified to improve stability. It activates pituitary GHRH receptors, increasing endogenous growth-hormone release and downstream IGF-1 signaling. FDA-approved tesamorelin products are indicated for reduction of excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV and lipodystrophy. Research has also examined visceral adipose tissue, liver fat, body composition, and metabolic endpoints. The approved branded drug is distinct from Apex research material.
How It Works
- GHRH receptor activation: Stimulates pituitary release of endogenous growth hormone.
- GH/IGF-1 axis: Downstream IGF-1 signaling provides a measurable endocrine response.
- Adipose and hepatic metabolism: Clinical studies have evaluated visceral fat and liver-related metabolic endpoints.
Research Areas
- HIV-associated lipodystrophy
- Visceral adipose tissue
- Liver-fat research
- GH/IGF-1 physiology
Research / Study Context
- Randomized HIV-lipodystrophy trials: Clinical studies measured visceral adipose tissue, body composition, IGF-1, and safety.
- Liver-fat studies: Research has evaluated hepatic fat and fibrosis-related markers in selected populations.
Key Research Findings
- Tesamorelin has strong human evidence for its approved indication.
- Evidence outside that indication varies and is at the research stage.
- Apex material is not Egrifta or an FDA-approved substitute.
- Sermorelin
- Ipamorelin
- CJC-1295 No DAC + Ipamorelin
Scientific Reference Starter Set
- Peptide Education Hub: Tesamorelin profile
- FDA prescribing information: Egrifta SV/WR
- PubMed search: tesamorelin visceral adipose HIV liver fat
