At a glance
Type
Stabilized GHRH analog
Molecular weight
5135.86 g/mol
Studied for
Visceral fatLiver fat / NAFLDEndogenous GH
Tesamorelin is a stabilized analog of growth hormone–releasing hormone (GHRH) — the full 44-amino-acid GRF sequence with an N-terminal modification that resists breakdown and extends its action. It is the most clinically studied of the GHRH analogs, with randomized human trials behind it.
How tesamorelin works
Tesamorelin binds pituitary GHRH receptors and stimulates the body’s own pulsatile release of growth hormone (and downstream IGF-1), rather than supplying GH directly. Its N-terminal trans-3-hexenoyl group slows enzymatic degradation, so it lasts longer than natural GHRH. Research has focused on its effect on visceral (deep abdominal) fat and, more recently, liver fat.
What the research shows
- Visceral fat, pivotal trial (Falutz et al., NEJM 2007). In a Phase 3 trial, visceral adipose tissue fell about 15% with tesamorelin versus a rise on placebo over 26 weeks.
- Pooled Phase 3 analysis (Falutz et al., 2010). Across two trials (~806 participants), a ~15% visceral-fat reduction and improved lipids were confirmed.
- Visceral + liver fat (Stanley et al., JAMA 2014). A six-month randomized trial showed reductions in visceral fat and modest reductions in liver fat.
- Liver fat / NAFLD (Stanley et al., Lancet HIV 2019). A 12-month trial reported roughly a 37% relative reduction in liver fat and less fibrosis progression.
Historical note: tesamorelin was first brought to market (as Egrifta) for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Candidly, its strongest human evidence is in that specific population; benefits for general anti-aging or body-composition use outside it are not established in comparable trials. Use belongs under a physician’s guidance.
Molecular specification
| Type | Stabilized GHRH(1-44) analog · GH secretagogue |
| Sequence | GRF(1-44) with N-terminal trans-3-hexenoyl modification |
| Molecular formula | C221H366N72O67S |
| Molecular weight | 5135.86 g/mol |
| CAS number | 218949-48-5 |
Quality and sourcing
Every batch of Azzurri Wellness tesamorelin is compounded through a Registered 503B outsourcing facility under GMP-compliant processes, HPLC-tested for purity and potency, and third-party lab verified. Shipped cold-pack when needed to protect stability.
References
- Falutz J, Allas S, Blot K, et al. Metabolic effects of a growth hormone-releasing factor in patients with HIV. N Engl J Med. 2007;357(23):2359–2370. PubMed
- Falutz J, Potvin D, Mamputu JC, et al. Effects of tesamorelin in HIV-infected patients with excess abdominal fat: a pooled analysis of two Phase 3 trials. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010;95(9):4291–4304. PubMed
- Stanley TL, Feldpausch MN, Oh J, et al. Effect of tesamorelin on visceral fat and liver fat in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2014;312(4):380–389. PubMed
- Stanley TL, Fourman LT, Feldpausch MN, et al. Effects of tesamorelin on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in HIV: a randomised, double-blind, multicentre trial. Lancet HIV. 2019;6(12):e821–e830. PubMed
Compiled by the Azzurri Wellness Research Team and checked against the cited literature. Educational only — not medical advice.
