Tesamorelin: GHRH Analog in Visceral Adipose Research
Stabilized GHRH(1-44) analog studied for visceral fat reduction and IGF-1 axis modulation.
- 1Stabilized GHRH(1-44) analog resistant to DPP-IV degradation.
- 2Reduces visceral adipose tissue ~15–20% in 26-week trials.
- 3Drives endogenous pulsatile GH release rather than exogenous GH.
- 4Modest upward drift in fasting glucose is a tracked safety signal.
A Stabilized GHRH Analog
Tesamorelin is a synthetic analog of human growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH 1-44) with a trans-3-hexenoyl N-terminal modification that resists DPP-IV degradation. The result is a peptide that delivers physiologic pulsatile GH release while surviving long enough in circulation to be dosed once daily.
Visceral Adipose Tissue
Tesamorelin is the only GHRH analog approved by the FDA for a specific indication — HIV-associated lipodystrophy with excess visceral adipose tissue. In controlled trials it reduced visceral adipose tissue by roughly 15–20% over 26 weeks, with concurrent improvements in triglycerides and adiponectin.
IGF-1 Axis and Safety Signals
Because tesamorelin works through endogenous GH release, IGF-1 rises in a regulated fashion and is monitored as a safety marker. Fasting glucose tends to drift upward modestly — an expected GH-axis effect — which is why glycemic status is tracked in the published trials.