Tesamorelin is a synthetic form of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) that was developed by Theratechnologies, a Canadian biopharmaceutical company. It was first approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2010 for the treatment of excess visceral fat (belly fat) in HIV-infected individuals with lipodystrophy.
The history of tesamorelin peptide dates back to the early 1980s, when researchers at Theratechnologies began developing synthetic forms of GHRH. GHRH is a naturally occurring hormone that is produced by the hypothalamus in the brain. It stimulates the release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland. Growth hormone is a hormone that plays an important role in body growth and development, as well as in metabolism and body composition.
Researchers at Theratechnologies developed a number of different synthetic GHRH analogs, but tesamorelin was the first one to be shown to be effective in reducing excess visceral fat in people with HIV lipodystrophy. HIV lipodystrophy is a condition that causes changes in the way body fat is distributed in people with HIV infection. People with HIV lipodystrophy may have too much fat in their abdomen and upper back, and too little fat in their arms, legs, and face.
Tesamorelin was approved by the FDA in 2010 for the treatment of excess visceral fat in HIV-infected individuals with lipodystrophy based on the results of two phase 3 clinical trials. These trials showed that tesamorelin was effective in reducing visceral adipose tissue and waist circumference in people with HIV lipodystrophy.
Tesamorelin is marketed under the brand name Egrifta. It is given as a daily injection under the skin (subcutaneously). Tesamorelin is generally well-tolerated, but some people may experience side effects such as headache, dizziness, nausea, and injection site reactions. Tesamorelin is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
In addition to its use in the treatment of HIV lipodystrophy, tesamorelin is also being investigated for the treatment of a number of other conditions, including:
- Obesity
- Growth hormone deficiency
- Cachexia (a wasting condition that can occur with cancer or other chronic diseases)
- Frailty in older adults
Tesamorelin is still under development, but the results of early studies are promising. Tesamorelin has the potential to be a valuable new treatment for a variety of conditions that are associated with changes in body composition and metabolism.
Here is a more detailed timeline of the history of tesamorelin peptide:
- 1980s: Researchers at Theratechnologies begin developing synthetic forms of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH).
- 1990s: Tesamorelin is identified as a promising synthetic GHRH analog for the treatment of HIV lipodystrophy.
- 2000s: Tesamorelin is evaluated in clinical trials for the treatment of HIV lipodystrophy.
- 2010: Tesamorelin is approved by the FDA for the treatment of excess visceral fat in HIV-infected individuals with lipodystrophy.
- 2010s: Tesamorelin is investigated for the treatment of other conditions, such as obesity, growth hormone deficiency, cachexia, and frailty.
Tesamorelin is a relatively new drug, but it has the potential to become a valuable new treatment for a variety of conditions that are associated with changes in body composition and metabolism.
