Summary

Tesamorelin is a synthetic analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) that stimulates endogenous growth hormone production. It is FDA-approved for the treatment of HIV-associated lipodystrophy — a condition of abnormal fat redistribution affecting people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy. A 2024 study has extended the evidence base, demonstrating efficacy in HIV patients taking integrase inhibitors, a previously unstudied population. For research purposes, tesamorelin is available as a research chemical.

Mechanism

Synthetic GHRH analogue that binds GHRH receptors in the anterior pituitary, stimulating pulsatile endogenous growth hormone release. GH then acts on the liver and peripheral tissues to stimulate IGF-1 production, mediating anabolic and lipolytic effects. The trans-3-hexenoyl modification at position 1 increases stability and half-life versus native GHRH. Preferentially reduces visceral adipose tissue while preserving physiological GH feedback loops.

Evidence base

Evidence base:

  • Original Phase 3 trials (Falutz et al., 2010): ~15% mean reduction in visceral adipose tissue over 26 weeks in HIV lipodystrophy. Strong evidence (RCTs).
  • HIV Integrase Inhibitor Study (2024, NEW): Tesamorelin demonstrated significant VAT reduction in HIV patients on integrase inhibitor regimens (dolutegravir, bictegravir), with a safety profile consistent with original trials. Published in AIDS, PMID: 38905488. Moderate-strong evidence.
  • Metabolic improvements (triglycerides, cholesterol) documented in secondary analyses (Stanley et al., 2012). Moderate evidence.

Overall evidence grade: Strong — FDA-approved based on Phase 3 RCTs, now extended to integrase inhibitor-based populations.

Protocols

FDA-approved regimen:

  • Dose: 2 mg subcutaneously once daily
  • Administration: Abdominal injection, rotate sites
  • Duration: 26 weeks assessed in trials; continued therapy is an option
  • Monitoring: IGF-1 levels to confirm activity and titrate

Research contexts sometimes discuss 1–2 mg doses with 3–6 month cycles. This is not medical dosing advice — tesamorelin is a UK POM/unlicensed medicine.

Tesamorelin is not currently licensed by the MHRA in the UK. It is FDA-approved in the US for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. For research purposes, unlicensed tesamorelin is legal to purchase and possess for legitimate research (in vitro/animal). It is not licensed for human consumption in the UK.

Vendor notes

Research-grade tesamorelin is available from UK research chemical suppliers. Always verify COA availability and third-party testing before purchase. See vetted UK vendors below.

References

  1. Falutz J, Potvin D, Mamputu JC, et al. Effects of tesamorelin, a growth hormone-releasing factor analogue, in HIV patients with abdominal fat accumulation: a randomized placebo-controlled trial with SAFETY transfer. Antiviral Therapy. 2010;15(4):635-645.
  2. Efficacy and Safety of Tesamorelin in People with HIV on Integrase Inhibitors. AIDS. 2024. PMC11365754.
  3. Stanley TL, Falutz J, Marsolais C, et al. Reduction in visceral adiposity is associated with an improved metabolic profile in HIV-infected patients treated with tesamorelin. Clinical Endocrinology. 2012;76(1):125-134.
  4. Makimura H, Stanley TL, Systrom DM, et al. The effects of growth hormone-releasing hormone on skeletal muscle and physical function in HIV lipodystrophy. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2013.