--- title: "Tesamorelin | PepTracker Pro" description: "A GHRH analog FDA-approved for reducing visceral fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "PepTracker Pro", "url": "https://peptrackerpro.com", "logo": "https://peptrackerpro.com/favicon.png", "description": "Evidence-based educational resource dedicated to improving peptide research literacy.", "contactPoint": { "@type": "ContactPoint", "email": "hello@peptrackerpro.com", "contactType": "customer support" }, "sameAs": [] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "MedicalWebPage", "name": "Tesamorelin", "description": "A GHRH analog FDA-approved for reducing visceral fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy.", "url": "https://peptrackerpro.com/peptides/tesamorelin", "lastReviewed": "2026-05-19", "reviewedBy": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "PepTracker Pro Research Team", "url": "https://peptrackerpro.com" }, "isPartOf": { "@type": "WebSite", "name": "PepTracker Pro", "url": "https://peptrackerpro.com" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://peptrackerpro.com" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Peptides", "item": "https://peptrackerpro.com/peptides" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Tesamorelin", "item": "https://peptrackerpro.com/peptides/tesamorelin" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "People researching FDA-approved GH-releasing peptides?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Tesamorelin is a research peptide studied in preclinical models. A GHRH analog FDA-approved for reducing visceral fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Those comparing GHRH analogs for body composition?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Tesamorelin is a research peptide studied in preclinical models. A GHRH analog FDA-approved for reducing visceral fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Individuals exploring liver health and NAFLD research?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Tesamorelin is a research peptide studied in preclinical models. A GHRH analog FDA-approved for reducing visceral fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "People interested in cognitive function and aging?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Tesamorelin is a research peptide studied in preclinical models. A GHRH analog FDA-approved for reducing visceral fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy." } } ] } ] --- [Skip to main content](#main) **Educational information only.** This site does not provide medical advice. [Read full disclaimer](/disclaimer) [PepTracker Pro](/) [Home](/)[Peptides](/peptides)[Compare](/compare)[Glossary](/glossary)[Blog](/blog)[Calculators](/calculators)[Start Here](/start) [Open the App](https://app.peptrackerpro.com) [Peptides](/peptides)/ Tesamorelin **Research-only content.** This page is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. [Read full disclaimer →](/research-disclaimer) # Tesamorelin High Evidence A GHRH analog FDA-approved for reducing visceral fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Aliases Egrifta +1 more Evidence High Evidence Last Updated 2026-05-19 Reading Time 3 min ## Table of Contents 1. [What It Is](#what-it-is) 2. [Why Researchers Study It](#why-researchers-study) 3. [Proposed Mechanisms](#proposed-mechanisms) 4. [Evidence Snapshot](#evidence-snapshot) 5. [Commonly Discussed Benefits](#benefits) 6. [Safety & Cautions](#safety) 7. [Comparisons](#comparisons) 8. [Calculator Tools](#calculator) 9. [Citations](#citations) ## What It Is Tesamorelin is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) that stimulates the pituitary gland to produce and release growth hormone. It is FDA-approved under the brand name Egrifta for reducing excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy. It is considered a more potent GHRH analog than sermorelin, with a longer duration of action. Beyond lipodystrophy, tesamorelin has gained significant research attention in 2024–2026 for liver health and cognitive function. In a randomized, double-blind, multicenter trial for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD/NASH) in HIV patients, tesamorelin produced a 37% relative reduction in hepatic fat fraction from baseline versus placebo and prevented progression of liver fibrosis — only 10% of treated patients saw worsening fibrosis compared to 35% on placebo. Hepatic transcriptomic analysis revealed increased expression of oxidative phosphorylation genes and decreased expression of inflammation and tissue repair gene sets, suggesting tesamorelin enhances hepatic mitochondrial function and lipid oxidation. For cognitive health, a randomized controlled trial of 1 mg daily tesamorelin for 20 weeks in healthy older adults and individuals with mild cognitive impairment showed significantly improved cognitive test scores, particularly in executive function. A new clinical trial (NCT06554717) is evaluating tesamorelin as an adjunct to exercise for metabolic health. A 2026 meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials published in ScienceDirect synthesized evidence confirming tesamorelin as an effective and targeted therapy for HIV-associated lipodystrophy — significantly reducing visceral adipose tissue (VAT), trunk fat, waist circumference, and hepatic fat while modestly increasing lean body mass. The analysis confirmed that tesamorelin preferentially targets visceral (organ-surrounding) fat without significantly reducing subcutaneous fat, limb fat, or overall body weight, establishing its unique mechanism profile among GH-related therapies. Tesamorelin's dual benefit of metabolic optimization and cognitive support has positioned it among the most researched GHRH analogs for age-related health in 2026. Also known as: Egrifta, TH9507 ## Why Researchers Study It Tesamorelin occupies a unique position as an FDA-approved GHRH analog with expanding research relevance beyond its original indication. Its ability to reduce hepatic fat and prevent fibrosis progression via enhanced mitochondrial function, combined with demonstrated cognitive benefits in older adults, makes it one of the most clinically validated peptides bridging metabolic and neurological aging research. ## Proposed Mechanisms - Stimulates pulsatile growth hormone release from the anterior pituitary via GHRH receptor activation - Enhances hepatic mitochondrial function and lipid oxidation, reducing intrahepatic fat - Upregulates oxidative phosphorylation gene expression while downregulating inflammatory pathways in liver tissue - Improves insulin sensitivity and reduces visceral adiposity through GH-mediated lipolysis - May support cognitive function through GH/IGF-1 axis signaling in the central nervous system ## Evidence Snapshot High Evidence Low Medium High Study Type Model Outcome Link Human (RCT) HIV-associated lipodystrophy (Phase 3) Significant reduction in visceral adipose tissue; FDA-approved indication [Source](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) Human (RCT) NAFLD/NASH in HIV patients — multicenter double-blind 37% relative reduction in hepatic fat fraction; fibrosis progression in 10% vs 35% placebo [Source](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31611038/) Human (RCT) Healthy older adults and MCI patients — 1mg daily, 20 weeks Significantly improved cognitive test scores, particularly executive function [Source](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22869065/) Hepatic transcriptomics NAFLD in HIV — gene expression analysis Increased oxidative phosphorylation gene sets; decreased inflammation and tissue repair gene expression [Source](https://insight.jci.org/articles/view/140134) Meta-analysis (2026) HIV-associated lipodystrophy — pooled RCTs Confirmed significant reductions in VAT, trunk fat, waist circumference, and hepatic fat; modest lean mass increase; preferential targeting of visceral fat without reducing subcutaneous or limb fat [Source](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1871403X26000025) ## Commonly Discussed Benefits [Fat Loss](/benefits/fat-loss)[Muscle Growth](/benefits/muscle-growth)[Metabolism](/benefits/metabolism)[Anti-Aging](/benefits/anti-aging) Researching Tesamorelin ? Track it, set reminders, and keep notes in the free app. [Track in App](https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=tesamorelin) ## Safety & Cautions - FDA-approved only for HIV-associated lipodystrophy; other uses are off-label - May affect glucose metabolism; monitor blood sugar - Contraindicated in active malignancy - Requires prescription and medical supervision - NAFLD and cognitive benefits demonstrated in clinical trials but not approved indications ## Comparisons See how Tesamorelin compares to related peptides: [Tesamorelin vs CJC-1295](/compare/tesamorelin-vs-cjc-1295) [Tesamorelin vs CJC-1295 (DAC)](/compare/tesamorelin-vs-cjc-1295-dac) [Tesamorelin vs Ipamorelin](/compare/tesamorelin-vs-ipamorelin) [Tesamorelin vs Sermorelin](/compare/tesamorelin-vs-sermorelin) ## Calculator Tools Use our research tools to explore dosing and reconstitution data: [Reconstitution Calculator](/calculators) ## Citations 1. \[1\] Falutz J. et al. — Effects of tesamorelin on body composition. JAMA. 2007 [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) 2. \[2\] Stanley TL. et al. — Effects of tesamorelin on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in HIV. Lancet HIV. 2019 [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31611038/) 3. \[3\] Effects of tesamorelin on hepatic transcriptomic signatures in HIV-associated NAFLD — JCI Insight [PubMed](https://insight.jci.org/articles/view/140134) 4. \[4\] Baker LD. et al. — Effects of GHRH on cognitive function in adults with MCI and healthy older adults. Arch Neurol. 2012 [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22869065/) 5. \[5\] Body composition, hepatic fat, metabolic, and safety outcomes of tesamorelin in HIV-associated lipodystrophy: a meta-analysis of RCTs — Obesity Research & Clinical Practice. 2026 [PubMed](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1871403X26000025) ### Keep researching in the app - Log Tesamorelin to your private tracker - Set a dosing reminder - Compare it side-by-side with your stack [Open PepTracker Pro Free](https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=tesamorelin) [Browse more peptides](/peptides) ## Related Peptides ### CJC-1295 Medium Evidence A growth hormone releasing hormone analog studied for stimulating growth hormone secretion. [Muscle Growth](/benefits/muscle-growth)[Fat Loss](/benefits/fat-loss)[Recovery](/benefits/recovery)[Sleep](/benefits/sleep)+1 more [View Details](/peptides/cjc-1295) [\+ Compare](/compare?select=cjc-1295)[](https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=cjc-1295) ### CJC-1295 (DAC) Medium Evidence A long-acting GHRH analog with an extended half-life due to its Drug Affinity Complex modification. [Muscle Growth](/benefits/muscle-growth)[Fat Loss](/benefits/fat-loss)[Recovery](/benefits/recovery)[Sleep](/benefits/sleep)+1 more [View Details](/peptides/cjc-1295-dac) [\+ Compare](/compare?select=cjc-1295-dac)[](https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=cjc-1295-dac) ### Ipamorelin Medium Evidence A selective growth hormone secretagogue studied for targeted GH release with fewer side effects than other GH peptides. [Muscle Growth](/benefits/muscle-growth)[Fat Loss](/benefits/fat-loss)[Recovery](/benefits/recovery)[Sleep](/benefits/sleep)+1 more [View Details](/peptides/ipamorelin) [\+ Compare](/compare?select=ipamorelin)[](https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=ipamorelin) ### Sermorelin Medium Evidence A GHRH analog previously FDA-approved for growth hormone deficiency diagnosis and treatment. [Muscle Growth](/benefits/muscle-growth)[Fat Loss](/benefits/fat-loss)[Sleep](/benefits/sleep)[Recovery](/benefits/recovery)+1 more [View Details](/peptides/sermorelin) [\+ Compare](/compare?select=sermorelin)[](https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=sermorelin) [PepTracker Pro](/) Educational peptide information and research tracking tools. 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