What it is

The only GHRH analog with FDA approval — originally developed for HIV-associated visceral adiposity research and sold pharmaceutically as Egrifta.

Why it's studied

Tesamorelin stimulates the pituitary to release growth hormone in natural pulses, elevating IGF-1 selectively. Its FDA-approval pathway makes it one of the best-documented GHRH analogs in research.

Key research findings

• 15-18% reduction in visceral adipose tissue at 26 weeks (Falutz et al., Phase 3 trials)

• Significant IGF-1 elevation without affecting subcutaneous fat

• No documented impact on insulin sensitivity in published clinical data