Tesamorelin is an FDA approved synthetic growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) peptide designed to stimulate the pituitary gland to release growth hormone. This stimulation triggers the release of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), which initiates lipolysis—the breakdown of lipids and triglycerides. Tesamorelin injections are prescribed to reduce excess fat accumulation in the abdominal region for adults diagnosed with lipodystrophy due to HIV infection.
Tesamorelin specifically targets visceral fat in the abdominal region, with studies showing a significant reduction in abdominal weight, ranging from fifteen to seventeen percent (15-20%) over twenty-six weeks. Additional research in 2014 revealed that Tesamorelin can also decrease fat accumulation around the liver by up to eighteen percent (18%). Tesamorelin has been studied and shown to effectively reduce visceral fat accumulation in individuals with antiretroviral therapy-related lipodystrophy associated with HIV infection.
Lipodystrophy refers to a medical condition characterized by abnormal or degenerative conditions of the body's fat tissue. It can manifest as either abnormal fat distribution (lipohypertrophy) or loss of fat tissue (lipoatrophy), or a combination of both. Lipodystrophy can be inherited (congenital) or acquired, and it may occur as a result of certain medical treatments, such as antiretroviral therapy for HIV/AIDS.
In the context of HIV/AIDS treatment, lipodystrophy is often associated with metabolic complications, including insulin resistance, dyslipidemia (abnormal levels of fats in the blood), and other cardiovascular risk factors. It can affect different parts of the body, including the face, arms, legs, and abdomen, leading to changes in body shape and appearance. It’s a good option for patients looking to get rid of hard to target areas like their belly, which makes it different than other weight loss programs.
Tesamorelin activates receptors for growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) in the pituitary gland, triggering the synthesis and release of growth hormone. This hormone then acts on various cells throughout the body, including hepatocytes in the liver, where it stimulates the production of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), hence it's advised to monitor IGF-1 levels for any increases during treatment.
IGF-1 plays a crucial role in mediating many of the effects of growth hormone, including promoting growth, preventing programmed cell death, enhancing glucose uptake, and initiating lipolysis, the breakdown of fats. Patients with conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and lipodystrophy often have low levels of serum IGF-1.
It is similar to Ipamorelin and Sermorelin in nature but has shown to be more effective at stimulating growth hormone production. Additionally, ipamorelin has recently been added to the FDA category 2 bulk drug substances which means that pharmacies are no longer compounding it making it difficult to obtain leaving Sermorelin and Tesamorelin as the go to options for patients.
Tesamorelin is administered subcutaneously via an injection with an insulin needle and has major effects on glucose and lipid metabolism. Known by its brand name, Egrifta, it’s marketed in 1 mg/mL vials, containing Tesamorelin in solution form. The prescribed dosage is typically 2 mg administered daily via subcutaneous injection. While adverse effects are rare, they may include reactions at the injection site, itching, joint and muscle pain, as well as peripheral swelling.
Tesamorelin is comprised 44 amino acids of GHRH coupled with a trans-3-hexenoic acid group. It’s a Polypeptide with the initial segment of the molecule having its N terminal portion altered to enhance its stability and pharmacokinetic properties compared to natural GHRH.
The incorporation of a trans-3-hexenoic acid group enhances Tesamorelin's efficiency. Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), typically produced in the hypothalamus, plays a crucial role in regulating hormone secretion and other bodily functions. Once released, GHRH stimulates the pituitary gland to release growth hormones into the bloodstream, helping to maintain physiological equilibrium. As an integral part of Tesamorelin, these amino acids facilitate its action as a synthetic growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH).
Tesamorelin attaches to pituitary growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF) receptors, triggering the release of endogenous growth hormone with anabolic and lipolytic attributes. Growth hormone influences target cells like osteoblasts, myocytes, hepatocytes, and adipocytes, fostering the decline of overall fat mass. These impacts are mainly facilitated by IGF-1 generation in both the liver and peripheral tissues.
Tesamorelin is an ideal peptide for people looking to manage their body composition, tone up, loose belly fat, boost their immune system, and enhance their overall health and look and feel their best. Men and women who struggle to lose that unwanted belly fat or love handle can benefit greatly from this medication.
