Tesamorelin is a synthetic peptide that mimics growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It stimulates the pituitary gland to increase growth hormone (GH) production, which subsequently elevates insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels. Unlike other GHRH analogs like Sermorelin or CJC-1295, tesamorelin is specifically FDA-approved (since 2010) for reducing visceral abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy, a condition associated with antiretroviral therapy. It is administered via daily subcutaneous injections, typically at 2 mg per dose.