Tesamorelin
Also searched as: Egrifta · TH9507
Tesamorelin is a stabilised analogue of growth hormone releasing hormone. Unlike most compounds in this reference it has been approved by the FDA, for a narrow indication: reduction of excess abdominal fat in people with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. It has therefore been through full clinical trials for that use.
What the research has looked at
- Phase 3 trials in HIV-associated lipodystrophy
- Visceral adipose tissue measured by CT in those trials
- IGF-1 response and growth hormone axis effects
- Cognitive endpoints in small exploratory studies
This is a description of what has been studied, not a claim about what it does. Evidence level: human trials.
Legal position in the UK
Not a licensed medicine in the UKNot licensed as a medicine in the UK. Approved in the United States for a specific indication only. Prohibited in sport under WADA class S2.
Handling and storage
The licensed product is supplied as a lyophilised powder for reconstitution, with manufacturer instructions that take precedence over anything general.
Vial sizes: Commonly 1mg or 2mg per vial. Where a manufacturer supplies handling instructions, those take precedence over anything general.
Questions
- Is tesamorelin approved in the UK?
- No. It holds FDA approval in the United States for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. It does not hold a UK marketing authorisation.