Tesamorelin.
A stabilised analogue of human GHRH, FDA-approved as Egrifta in 2010 for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. The only GHRH analogue to clear Phase III trials with primary endpoint data — and increasingly studied for cognitive preservation and age-related growth hormone decline.
- Sequence
- 44-residue GHRH analogue
- Origin
- Synthetic (trans-3-hexenoic acid modified)
- Developer
- Theratechnologies, 2000s
- Class
- GHRH receptor agonist
- Status (UAE)
- Research-grade compounding
The Fat that Finally Had a Name
Native GHRH degrades in under two minutes in plasma. Theratechnologies adds a trans-3-hexenoic acid group to the N-terminus, extending half-life.
Phase III data shows 15–17% visceral fat reduction vs placebo in HIV patients. FDA approves Egrifta — the first and only approved GHRH analogue.
A Phase II trial in HIV patients with mild cognitive impairment finds that IGF-1 restoration via tesamorelin measurably preserves memory function.
Forty-Four Residues, One Decisive Tweak.
Tyr-Ala-Asp-Ala-Ile-Phe-Thr-Asn-Ser-Tyr-Arg
Lys-Val-Leu-Gly-Gln-Leu-Ser-Ala-Arg-Lys-Leu
Leu-Gln-Asp-Ile-Met-Ser-Arg-Gln-Gln-Gly-Glu
Ser-Asn-Gln-Glu-Arg-Gly-Ala-Arg-Ala-Arg-Leu
C₂₂₁H₃₆₂N₆₆O₇₀S · MW 5135 Da
A 44-residue synthetic analogue of GHRH with a trans-3-hexenoic acid modification at the N-terminus — conferring protease resistance and extending plasma half-life to ~26 min vs <2 min for native GHRH.
FDA stamped this one.
Phase III endpoint met. Off-label extrapolation remains ahead of the evidence.
- VAT reduced 15–17% vs placebo
- IGF-1 normalised in HIV patients
- Well-tolerated; site reactions only
- FDA / Health Canada / EMA cleared
- Lean mass preserved in trial arms
- Cognitive preservation (HIV MCI)
- Memory scores stabilised
- GH deficiency (non-HIV)
- Bone density improvements
- Anti-aging via IGF-1 restoration
- Muscle mass gains in healthy adults
- General metabolic syndrome
- Athletic performance
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Prescription in Three Continents.
In the UAE, research-grade peptides occupy a defined regulatory category distinct from licensed medicines. Compounds sold under this classification — including those offered by Dubai Peptides — are intended exclusively for qualified research applications, not for human administration.
Tesamorelin is the only compound in this catalogue with full regulatory approval — cleared by the FDA (2010), Health Canada, and the EMA for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. The Phase III evidence base is robust, with primary endpoints met in controlled trials. Off-label use in longevity medicine — targeting GH deficiency, metabolic syndrome, and cognitive decline — is growing but sits well outside any approved indication.
Egrifta (tesamorelin 2mg/day) approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy — first and only approved GHRH analogue.
Phase II data links IGF-1 restoration to preserved memory function in HIV patients with mild cognitive impairment.
Off-label prescribing for longevity indications occurs globally, including through UAE compounding pharmacies — distinct from tesamorelin's approved indication.