Egrifta

Description

Tesamorelin acetate is an analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) that was approved in the United States in 2010 for treatment of lipodystrophy in HIV patients. Tesomorelin is an analog of GHRH. GHRH stimulates the synthesis and release of GH. In the pituitary, GH is secreted in a pulsatile manner. GH control is regulated by somatostatin and the negative feedback regulator, IGF-1. Direct administration of GH to patients with lipodystrophy decreases VAT but has associated side effects such as fluid retention and joint swelling. Because of the side effects associated with direct GH administration, GHRH represents a attractive mechanism for increasing GH levels. Tesomorelin is an analog of GHRH in which the N-terminal amino acid, Tyr, is amidated with a trans-3-hexenoyl group. Capping of the N-terminus protects GHRH from cleavage by DPP-4. Tesomorelin demonstrates enhanced stability compared with GHRH in animal models.

Originator

Theratechnologies (Canada)

Uses

Egrifta (Tesamorelin) is used to reduce excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected lipodystrophy patients. Some HIV medicines cause this side effect (increased fat in the upper back and abdomen and decreased fat in the arms and legs.) Tesamorelin works by making the body produce more growth hormone. This medicine should not be used for weight loss.

brand name

Egrifta

Biological Activity

Egrifta (Tesamorelin) is a synthetic growth hormone-releasing hormone analog and a GHRH agonist that stimulates the synthesis and release of endogenous growth hormone.

Side effects

Adverse reactions to Egrifta (Tesamorelin) include redness, itching, pain, irritation, or bruising at the injection site. Muscle soreness may also occur. In addition, muscle/joint pain or stiffness; numbness/tingling/swelling in the arms or legs; elevated blood sugar (increased thirst/urination), Rare adverse reactions include: very severe allergic reactions such as rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), dizziness, facial severity, difficulty breathing; and an increased risk of new cancers or recurrence of previous melanoma.