Regenerative Medicine
Tesamorelin
A long-acting GHRH analog with FDA approval for HIV-related visceral fat — used off-label for visceral fat reduction in select patients.
Tesamorelin is a long-acting growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog that's FDA-approved for the reduction of excess abdominal fat in HIV patients with lipodystrophy. In clinical practice, tesamorelin is used off-label for visceral (deep abdominal) fat reduction in select non-HIV patients who meet specific clinical criteria. It's a more potent and longer-acting GHRH stimulator than sermorelin, with a stronger effect on visceral adiposity specifically.
Tesamorelin is the most powerful and long-acting growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog available. While sermorelin produces a brief, physiologic GH pulse, tesamorelin produces a longer-duration GH release that drives more substantial visceral fat reduction. We use tesamorelin off-label for non-HIV patients with documented visceral adiposity (typically confirmed by waist circumference, body composition scan, or imaging) who haven't responded adequately to lifestyle intervention. Baseline labs and a thorough screen for contraindications are required: untreated thyroid disease, certain malignancies, pregnancy, and severe pituitary dysfunction. Tesamorelin is more expensive than sermorelin given current pricing (typically $700–$1,200/month) but produces measurable visceral fat reduction in 12–24 weeks for appropriate candidates. We monitor IGF-1 every 6–8 weeks and adjust dose to keep levels in the upper-normal physiologic range.
Key Benefits
Common Questions
Frequently asked
How is tesamorelin different from sermorelin?
Tesamorelin is longer-acting and more potent than sermorelin. It's the only GHRH analog with FDA approval (for HIV-related visceral fat). The longer duration produces more substantial visceral fat reduction but at higher cost.
Is tesamorelin FDA-approved?
Yes — for HIV-related lipodystrophy. Use in non-HIV patients for visceral fat reduction is off-label but supported by clinical literature.
Who is a candidate for tesamorelin?
Patients with documented visceral adiposity (waist circumference, body composition scan, or imaging) who haven't responded adequately to lifestyle intervention. We screen for thyroid disease, certain cancers, and pituitary dysfunction before starting.
How long until visceral fat reduction is visible?
Measurable reduction in visceral adiposity at 12–24 weeks for appropriate candidates. We track via waist circumference and body composition at baseline and quarterly.
How much does tesamorelin cost?
Tesamorelin is more expensive than sermorelin given current pricing — typically $700–$1,200/month through compounding pharmacies. Brand-name (Egrifta) is significantly more expensive and primarily insurance-covered for HIV patients.
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