Description

Tesamorelin is a synthetic analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It stimulates the pituitary gland to release growth hormone, which in turn increases levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in the body. Tesamorelin is primarily used to treat HIV-associated lipodystrophy, a condition characterized by abnormal fat distribution in HIV-infected patients. Additionally, it is being investigated for its potential benefits in improving peripheral nerve health, slowing mild cognitive impairment, and reducing overall fat mass. (1,2)

The development of human growth hormone (GH) releasing factor (GFR) analogues, such as tesamorelin, was driven by the need to address the adverse side effects associated with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) used in treating GH-deficient disorders. Tesamorelin, a synthetic GFR, has shown potential in treating conditions linked to GH deficiency, including HIV-related lipodystrophy. A multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled Phase III clinical trial indicated that tesamorelin could be a beneficial treatment for HIV-related lipodystrophy, demonstrating a good safety profile and effectively reducing visceral fat. (3)

(1) Dhillon, S. (2011). Tesamorelin: a review of its use in the management of HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Drugs, 71(8), 1071-1091.

(2) Mateo, M. G., Gutiérrez, M. D. M., & Domingo, P. (2011). Tesamorelin for the treatment of excess abdominal fat in HIV-1-infected patients with lipodystrophy. Expert Review of Endocrinology & Metabolism, 6(1), 21-30.

(3) Wang, Y., & Tomlinson, B. (2009). Tesamorelin, a human growth hormone releasing factor analogue. Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs, 18(3), 303-310.

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