Tesamorelin Explained

Tesamorelin (INN) (trade name Egrifta SV) is a synthetic form of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) which is used in the treatment of HIV-associated lipodystrophy, approved initially in 2010. It is produced and developed by Theratechnologies, Inc. of Canada. The drug is a synthetic peptide consisting of all 44 amino acids of human GHRH with the addition of a trans-3-hexenoic acid group.[1]

Mechanism of action

Tesamorelin is the N-terminally modified compound based on 44 amino acids sequence of human GHRH.[2] This modified synthetic form is more potent and stable than the natural peptide. It is also more resistant to cleavage by the dipeptidyl aminopeptidase than human GHRH.[3] It stimulates the synthesis and release of endogenous GH, with an increase in level of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1). The released GH then binds with the receptors present on various body organs and regulates the body composition. This regulation is mainly because of the combination of anabolic and lipolytic mechanisms. However, it has been found that the main mechanisms by which Tesamorelin reduces body fat mass are lipolysis followed by reduction in triglycerides level.[4]

Contraindication

Tesamorelin therapy may cause glucose intolerance and increase the risk of type 2-diabetes, so it is contraindicated in pregnancy.[5] It is also contraindicated in pregnancy (category X) because it may cause harm to fetus. It is also contraindicated in patients affected by hypothalamic-pituitary axis disruption due to pituitary gland tumor, head irradiation and hypopituitarism.[6]

Adverse effects

Injection site erythema, peripheral edema, injection site pruritus and diarrhea.[7]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: FDA Application Chemistry Review.
  2. Dhillon S . Tesamorelin: a review of its use in the management of HIV-associated lipodystrophy . Drugs . 71 . 8 . 1071–1091 . May 2011 . 21668043 . 10.2165/11202240-000000000-00000 . 195681455 .
  3. Ferdinandi ES, Brazeau P, High K, Procter B, Fennell S, Dubreuil P . Non-clinical pharmacology and safety evaluation of TH9507, a human growth hormone-releasing factor analogue . Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology . 100 . 1 . 49–58 . January 2007 . 17214611 . 10.1111/j.1742-7843.2007.00008.x .
  4. Benedini S, Terruzzi I, Lazzarin A, Luzi L . Recombinant human growth hormone: rationale for use in the treatment of HIV-associated lipodystrophy . BioDrugs . 22 . 2 . 101–112 . 2008 . 18345707 . 10.2165/00063030-200822020-00003 . 34340539 .
  5. Patel A, Gandhi H, Upaganlawar A . Tesamorelin: A hope for ART-induced lipodystrophy . Journal of Pharmacy & Bioallied Sciences . 3 . 2 . 319–320 . April 2011 . 21687371 . 3103937 . 10.4103/0975-7406.80763 . free .
  6. Web site: Review of Selected NMEs 2011 . DeRuiter J, Holston PL . Health Information Designs, Inc . Auburn. www.uspharmacist.com. en. 2019-06-22.
  7. Falutz J, Potvin D, Mamputu JC, Assaad H, Zoltowska M, Michaud SE, Berger D, Somero M, Moyle G, Brown S, Martorell C, Turner R, Grinspoon S . 6 . Effects of tesamorelin, a growth hormone-releasing factor, in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation: a randomized placebo-controlled trial with a safety extension . Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes . 53 . 3 . 311–322 . March 2010 . 20101189 . 10.1097/qai.0b013e3181cbdaff . 13613924 . free .

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