MOLECULAR INFORMATION
Molecular information
- Type
- Synthetic GHRH analogue · stimulates pituitary GH release · daily subcutaneous
Tesamorelin is a synthetic 44-amino-acid analogue of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), developed by Theratechnologies under the brand Egrifta. Authorised by the FDA (2010) and the EMA for the reduction of visceral adipose tissue in HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
Indications
- HIV-associated lipodystrophy — visceral fat reduction
- Off-label use in non-HIV populations is not supported by trials
Why we grade it A
Two Phase 3 placebo-controlled trials in the indicated HIV-LD population, with replication. Robust regulatory authorisation in major jurisdictions. Grade A not S because the authorised indication is narrow and outcome data beyond visceral-fat reduction (e.g. cardiometabolic outcomes) remains thin.
RECONSTITUTION
How to reconstitute
YOU WILL NEED
- Bacteriostatic water (BAC water)
- Insulin syringes (0.5–1 mL)
- Alcohol swabs
- Vial of lyophilized peptide
- Sterile work surface
PROCEDURE
- 01Clean the work area and hands thoroughly.
- 02Calculate the required bacteriostatic-water volume for the desired concentration.
- 03Draw the calculated BAC water into the syringe.
- 04Inject the water slowly down the inside wall of the vial — not directly onto the powder cake.
- 05Gently swirl until fully dissolved. Never shake.
- 06Store the reconstituted vial refrigerated at 2–8 °C and use within 28 days.
Standard biotech reconstitution procedure. Always use sterile technique. This is research-protocol guidance, not medical advice.
References
- Theratechnologies Phase 3a410 participantsVisceral adipose tissue change in HIV-associated lipodystrophy — −15.2% VAT at 26 weeks
- Theratechnologies Phase 3b404 participantsReplication of VAT reduction — −10.9% VAT at 26 weeks
Frequently asked questions
- What is Tesamorelin used for?
- Authorised for the reduction of excess abdominal fat (visceral adipose tissue) in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy. Not authorised for any other indication.
- Is Tesamorelin used as a weight-loss drug in non-HIV populations?
- Off-label use in non-HIV populations exists but is not supported by adequately-powered trials. The authorisation is narrow; the GH-secretagogue mechanism does not translate to general weight loss the way GLP-1 agonists do.
- Who makes Tesamorelin?
- Theratechnologies (Canada) is the originator. Egrifta SV is the current marketed formulation.
- Is Tesamorelin authorised in the EU?
- Yes — EMA-authorised since 2011 under Egrifta for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Prescription-only in specialist HIV care settings.