Tesamorelin

Beskrivelse

Tesamorelin (Egrifta SV or formerly Egrifta) is an FDA-approved synthetic 44-amino acid peptide analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) specifically indicated for the reduction of excess visceral abdominal fat in HIV-infected adult patients with lipodystrophy—a condition characterized by abnormal fat distribution often associated with antiretroviral therapy. Tesamorelin binds to GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotroph cells, stimulating pulsatile secretion of endogenous growth hormone (GH), which in turn increases insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels and promotes lipolysis (fat breakdown) particularly in visceral adipose tissue. Clinical trials (including Phase 3 studies) demonstrated that Tesamorelin significantly reduces visceral adipose tissue (VAT) by an average of 15–20% over 26 weeks, decreases waist circumference, improves lipid profiles (lower triglycerides), enhances body image and quality of life, and supports better cardiometabolic parameters without substantial loss of subcutaneous fat or overall body weight gain. The treatment is administered as a once-daily subcutaneous injection (typically 2 mg reconstituted from lyophilized powder) into the abdomen, usually at bedtime to align with natural GH pulses, with regular monitoring of IGF-1 levels, glucose tolerance, and injection-site reactions recommended. While primarily approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy, Tesamorelin has been explored off-label in wellness and anti-aging contexts for potential benefits in reducing central adiposity, improving insulin sensitivity, enhancing lean mass preservation, and supporting metabolic health in non-HIV populations with visceral obesity—though such uses are not FDA-approved and lack large-scale confirmatory data. Common side effects include injection-site reactions (redness, itching, pain), arthralgia, myalgia, peripheral edema, hyperglycemia or glucose intolerance (requiring monitoring in prediabetic/diabetic patients), carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms, and transient increases in IGF-1. Serious risks include potential exacerbation of malignancy (contraindicated in active cancer), hypersensitivity reactions, or pituitary overstimulation. Tesamorelin is contraindicated in pregnancy, active malignancy, pituitary disorders, or known hypersensitivity to the drug or mannitol excipient. As a prescription medication, it requires medical supervision, baseline and periodic bloodwork (IGF-1, fasting glucose, HbA1c, lipids), and careful patient selection. While highly effective for its approved indication, Tesamorelin is not indicated for general weight loss, bodybuilding, or anti-aging purposes outside specific clinical contexts. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before initiating Tesamorelin to confirm appropriateness, receive proper training on reconstitution and injection technique, monitor for efficacy and adverse effects, and integrate it into a comprehensive management plan including lifestyle modifications.