Tesamorelin
Also known as Egrifta
An FDA-approved GHRH analog for HIV-associated belly fat, used off-label as a growth-hormone stimulator.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jonathan Snipes, MD
Reviewed for clinical accuracy · Last reviewed July 22, 2026 · Review policy
Quick answer
Tesamorelin is an FDA-approved GHRH analog, sold as Egrifta, for reducing excess abdominal fat in people with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. It stimulates the body's own growth-hormone release and is used off-label for general body composition and anti-aging, where the evidence is weaker. It is prohibited in sport.
- Drug class
- GHRH analog (growth-hormone secretagogue)
- FDA status
- Approved (Egrifta, 2010) for HIV lipodystrophy
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection (daily)
- Evidence grade
- A (FDA-Approved)
- Banned in sport
- Yes (WADA)
Key takeaways
- →Tesamorelin is FDA-approved as Egrifta for excess abdominal fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
- →Like sermorelin, it is a GHRH analog that stimulates the body's own growth hormone rather than replacing it.
- →Off-label use for general fat loss, body composition and anti-aging is common but less well evidenced.
- →It is prohibited in sport under WADA and can raise blood glucose.
Tesamorelin is another peptide with real FDA approval, which distinguishes it from research compounds. Marketed as Egrifta, it is approved specifically to reduce excess visceral abdominal fat in people with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Its off-label reputation as a growth-hormone-boosting, fat-loss peptide extends well beyond that narrow indication, into territory with much less evidence.
How Tesamorelin works
Tesamorelin is a stabilized analog of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It binds pituitary GHRH receptors to stimulate the body's own release of growth hormone, which in turn raises IGF-1 and, in the approved population, reduces visceral fat. Because it works through the natural GH axis, it shares the general profile of other growth hormone secretagogues.
What the evidence shows, by use
Each use is graded on the same A-E scale, based on human-trial quality rather than popularity.
HIV-associated lipodystrophy (visceral fat)
AFDA-ApprovedFDA-approved for this indication based on trials showing reduced visceral adipose tissue.
General fat loss / body composition / anti-aging
CEmerging Human DataUsed off-label for these goals; rigorous outcome data outside the approved population is limited.
Dosing
The FDA-approved product is a daily subcutaneous injection at a defined dose. Off-label and compounded protocols vary. Because tesamorelin can affect blood glucose and IGF-1 levels, dosing and monitoring should be handled by a licensed clinician.
Side effects
- •Injection-site reactions · Common
- •Joint pain (arthralgia) · Common
- •Swelling / fluid retention (edema) · Less common
- •Muscle aches · Less common
Legal & regulatory status
Tesamorelin is FDA-approved as Egrifta for HIV-associated lipodystrophy and is legal with a prescription. Other uses are off-label. It is prohibited in sport.
Is Tesamorelinlegal? Full regulatory status →Where to get it: TeleRanked independently ranks the telehealth providers that offer clinician-prescribed peptides. See our Peptide Therapy rankings. We rank providers, we do not sell compounds, and rankings are never for sale.
Frequently asked questions
What is tesamorelin approved for?+
It is FDA-approved as Egrifta to reduce excess abdominal fat in people with HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
How is tesamorelin different from sermorelin?+
Both are GHRH analogs that stimulate the body's own growth hormone. Tesamorelin is FDA-approved for a specific indication and is a more stabilized molecule; sermorelin's branded product was discontinued and it is now compounded.
Is tesamorelin banned in sport?+
Yes. As a growth-hormone secretagogue, tesamorelin is prohibited under the WADA framework.
How we grade evidence
Grade A: FDA-Approved. Approved by the FDA for at least one indication, supported by large randomized controlled trials. Our A-E scale reflects the strength of human evidence, not how popular a compound is.
Sources
- 1.Drugs@FDA: FDA-Approved Drugs database · U.S. Food & Drug Administration
- 2.WADA Prohibited List · World Anti-Doping Agency
- 3.Compounding and the FDA: Questions and Answers · U.S. Food & Drug Administration