In short
A GHRH analog studied and approved for excess abdominal fat in people with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Its Canadian listings are cancelled in the Drug Product Database.
Also known asEgrifta
CategoryGrowth hormone
Canada statusNot currently marketed in Canada
Human evidence Moderate: some randomized human trials, specific uses (HIV-associated abdominal fat)
Sport (WADA)WADA's Prohibited List bans growth hormone releasing factors and secretagogues (S2) at all times.
Last reviewedNovember 10, 2026
How strong is the human evidence?
- Cell & animal
- Small human studies
- Some randomized trials
- Large randomized trials
What is Tesamorelin?
Tesamorelin is a stabilized GHRH analog from Canadian company Theratechnologies (brand Egrifta).
In Health Canada's Drug Product Database, the two Egrifta entries show "Cancelled Post Market" (2022) and "Cancelled Pre Market" (2023).
Is Tesamorelin legal in Canada?
No currently marketed product found in the Drug Product Database (Nov 10, 2026). "Research tesamorelin" is unauthorized.
What the research shows
- Meta-analysis of 5 RCTs in adults with HIV (Badran et al., 2026): reduced visceral fat, trunk fat and liver fat, and increased lean mass vs placebo.
What it doesn't show
- Evidence is for HIV-associated lipodystrophy, not general fat loss or bodybuilding in healthy people.
Common questions
Is tesamorelin available in Canada?
Not as a marketed product per Health Canada's Drug Product Database on Nov 10, 2026.
What is tesamorelin used for?
Its studied use is reducing excess abdominal fat in people with HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
Sources
- Health Canada Drug Product Database (searched Nov 10, 2026)
- Badran AS et al. Tesamorelin in HIV-associated lipodystrophy: meta-analysis of RCTs. Obes Res Clin Pract 2026
- Dhillon S. Tesamorelin: a review. Drugs 2011
- World Anti-Doping Agency — Prohibited List
