Tesamorelin

Description

Tesamorelin (usan) consists of the 44 amino acid sequence of human growth hormone releasing factor (GRF), with a 3-hexenoyl group attached to its tyrosine N-terminal residue. It is a new growth hormone releasing factor analogue, which can not only restore normal growth hormone secretion in the body, but also reduce the increased visceral adipose tissue (VAT), improve blood lipid abnormalities and quality of life, and maintain glucose homeostasis in the body.

Uses

Tesamorelin (usan) is indicated for the treatment of excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy and is not recommended for weight loss.

Definition

FDA Pharm Classes: Tesamorelin is a Growth Hormone Releasing Factor Analog. The physiologic effect of tesamorelin is by means of Increased GHRH Activity.

Mechanism of action

Tesamorelin is a human growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF) analogue that works by regulating lipid metabolism, possibly by acting on pituitary cells in the brain to stimulate the production and release of the endogenous hormones hGRF and growth hormone, which in turn stimulate the production of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), thereby decreasing the amount of body fat.

Side effects

Common adverse reactions of Tesamorelin (usan) include allergic reactions caused by growth hormone effects (such as arthralgia, peripheral edema, hyperglycemia), such as rash and urticaria, and erythema, itching, pain, urticaria and bleeding at the injection site.

Toxicology

In clinical trials in patients with HIV-associated lipodystrophy, tesamorelin therapy was not associated with de novo elevations in serum enzymes and, in some studies, was associated with decreases in preexisting ALT elevations, possibly mediated by improvements in nonalcoholic fatty liver. Instances of clinically apparent liver injury attributable to tesamorelin use have not been reported.