Catalog
GHRH analog

Tesamorelin

aka Egrifta

Only FDA-approved GHRH analog — HIV-associated lipodystrophy.

FDA-approvedGrade A — Clinically established
Target
GHRHR (pituitary somatotrophs)

Mechanism of action

Stimulates pulsatile endogenous GH release via GHRH receptor. Preserves physiologic feedback unlike exogenous rhGH.

Pharmacokinetics

SC daily. Short t½; pulsatile downstream GH/IGF-1 response.

Clinical context

Reduction of excess visceral adipose tissue in HIV-associated lipodystrophy.

Dosing
2 mg SC daily.

Monitoring

  • IGF-1 (target within age-adjusted normal)
  • Glucose / HbA1c
  • Visceral fat (DXA/CT trend)

Safety

Contraindications
  • Active malignancy
  • Pituitary disease/hypopituitarism
  • Pregnancy
Adverse effects
  • Injection-site reactions
  • Arthralgia
  • Glucose intolerance
  • Carpal tunnel symptoms (high IGF-1)

Relevant labs

IGF-1Hemoglobin A1c

Covered in modules

Module 05
Growth Hormone Secretagogues
CJC-1295, ipamorelin, sermorelin, tesamorelin, MK-677 — what's approved, what's compounded, what's hype.

Related compounds

GHRH(1–29) analog
Sermorelin
Selective GH secretagogue (GHS-R agonist)
Ipamorelin
Long-acting GHRH analog
CJC-1295 (with/without DAC)

Generate prescriber-grade deep dive

Pull in expanded mechanism, PK/PD, dosing strategies for special populations, drug interactions, monitoring cadence, head-to-head differentials, prescriber pearls, and patient FAQs for Tesamorelin.

Educational reference. Not medical advice. Always verify against current FDA labeling and local regulatory guidance before prescribing or counseling.