GHRH analog (FDA-approved: Egrifta)
A stabilized synthetic GHRH analog marketed as Egrifta / Egrifta SV / Egrifta WR - the only fully FDA-approved compound in this GH group.
| Class / type | GHRH analog (FDA-approved: Egrifta) |
|---|---|
| Category | Growth Hormone & Muscle |
| Status (Jul 2026) | FDA-approved |
Tesamorelin is a stabilized synthetic GHRH analog and the standout of the growth-hormone group because it is a genuine, FDA-approved drug (Egrifta / Egrifta SV / Egrifta WR). It's approved specifically to reduce the excess deep-belly (visceral) fat that can accumulate in people with HIV.
Because it's approved, it has been through the controlled trials most peptides here lack, which makes its evidence far stronger.
It stimulates the pituitary to release the body's own growth hormone; the resulting GH/IGF-1 rise is lipolytic and preferentially mobilizes metabolically active visceral fat while largely sparing fat just under the skin.
Randomized trials and meta-analyses show roughly a 15-18% reduction in visceral fat versus placebo, along with improvements in trunk fat, liver fat, waist circumference and lipids. Most adverse events in trials were mild. It's also studied for fatty-liver disease (NAFLD).
FDA-approved and evidence-backed, with targeted, well-documented visceral-fat reduction - the 'legitimate, studied' option in this group.
Metabolic improvements (lipids, liver fat) accompany the fat loss.
Common effects include joint pain, injection-site reactions, limb pain, swelling and muscle aches; it can raise IGF-1 and affect blood sugar/insulin sensitivity.
It requires daily injection, is expensive, benefits reverse on stopping, and it's contraindicated in active cancer and pregnancy.
A prescription drug used under medical supervision for its labeled HIV-lipodystrophy indication; newer formulations reduce the reconstitution burden. Unlike the others in this group, it is a finished, approved product.
FDA-approved, evidence-backed status and targeted, well-documented visceral-fat reduction.
FDA-approved prescription drug (Egrifta / Egrifta SV / Egrifta WR). Legally prescribable for its labeled HIV-lipodystrophy indication.