Egrifta (tesamorelin) — UK research guide

What Egrifta is

Egrifta (tesamorelin) is a synthetic 44-amino-acid GHRH analogue that stimulates pituitary growth-hormone release. The US FDA approval is for excess visceral abdominal adiposity in HIV-associated lipodystrophy — a specific, narrow indication. It is not a general obesity therapy.

Mechanism

Tesamorelin binds the GHRH receptor on pituitary somatotrophs, increasing pulsatile GH secretion and downstream IGF-1. See GH axis and visceral adiposity for the mechanism overview.

UK regulatory context

Egrifta is not currently MHRA-licensed in the UK at the time of review. Tesamorelin's UK presence, if any, would be through specific clinical pathways and is jurisdiction-dependent. The molecule profile is at /peptides/tesamorelin.

FAQs

What is Egrifta?

Egrifta is the US brand name for tesamorelin, a synthetic GHRH analogue developed by Theratechnologies. It is FDA-approved in the US for excess visceral adiposity in HIV-associated lipodystrophy. It is not a generic obesity medicine.

Is Egrifta available in the UK?

Egrifta is not currently MHRA-licensed in the UK at the time of review. UK access for tesamorelin would be through jurisdiction-specific clinical pathways where applicable. This page is educational and does not provide guidance on obtaining the product.

How does Egrifta differ from incretin medicines?

Egrifta acts on the growth-hormone axis via GHRH receptor activation, not on the incretin (GLP-1/GIP/glucagon) axis. Its licensed indication is HIV-associated lipodystrophy specifically, not generic obesity or type 2 diabetes. The mechanism, safety profile and clinical use are distinct from GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Procurement and supplier position

This page is educational and does not advertise, sell, supply, recommend or rank any supplier, compounder, online pharmacy or telehealth service for Egrifta or any version of tesamorelin. Tesamorelin is a prescription-only medicine in jurisdictions where it is licensed.