Egrifta · GHRH Analogue · FDA Approved
A synthetic analogue of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) and the only peptide in this library with full FDA approval — indicated for HIV-associated lipodystrophy (visceral fat accumulation). Tesamorelin reduces visceral adipose tissue through GH axis stimulation and has the strongest clinical evidence base of any GHRH analogue.
Tesamorelin (brand name Egrifta) is a synthetic analogue of endogenous growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH), modified with a trans-3-hexenoic acid group that significantly extends its half-life compared to native GHRH. It is the only peptide in this compound library with full FDA approval — approved in 2010 for the reduction of excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy, and subsequently studied for visceral fat reduction in non-HIV populations.
Like CJC-1295, Tesamorelin stimulates pituitary somatotroph cells via GHRH receptors to produce and release growth hormone in a pulsatile, physiological pattern. The resulting GH elevation promotes lipolysis specifically in visceral adipose tissue — the metabolically active fat surrounding internal organs that is most strongly associated with cardiovascular risk and metabolic disease.
Phase III clinical trials demonstrated statistically significant reductions in visceral adipose tissue area compared to placebo, with improvements in triglycerides, cholesterol ratios and insulin-like growth factor-1. The FDA approval provides a level of clinical evidence validation that is unique among GHRH analogues. Post-approval research has explored applications in non-HIV visceral obesity, cognitive function in older adults and Alzheimer's disease prevention.
Both are GHRH analogues working through the same receptor pathway. Tesamorelin has the advantage of FDA approval and extensive Phase III clinical data. CJC-1295 is more commonly available in research contexts and is typically used in combination with Ipamorelin for synergistic GH stimulation. For visceral fat reduction specifically, Tesamorelin has the stronger documented evidence.