Tesamorelin is a growth hormone releasing factor (GRF) analog used to reduce excessive abdominal fat in HIV patients who have developed lipodystrophy. Lipodystrophy is a metabolic condition characterized by insulin resistance, fat redistribution, and hyperlipidemia associated with antiretroviral therapy for HIV infection.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
By acting on the pituitary cells in the brain, tesamorelin stimulates production and release of the endogenous hormone (hGRF). Tesamorelin therapy predisposes the patient to glucose intolerance and can also increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, so the drug is contraindicated in pregnancy.
- Primary indication
- Tesamorelin acetate is a synthetic analogue of human hypothalamic Growth Hormone Releasing Factor (hGRF) indicated to induce and maintain a reduction of excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy.Curator reviewed · 1 structured indication
- First approval
- Canada, 2014 · United States, 2010
- Also known as
- GHRH(1-44)
- Code names
- TH-9507
- Brand names
Resolves to
What you can answer from here — as of September 30, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Tesamorelin, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
Create a free account or log in to explore the full data card.
Create Account