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Tesamorelin is a human growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF) analog produced synthetically. It is comprised of the 44 amino acid sequence of human GRF and a hexenoyl moiety, a C6 chain with a double bond at position 3, attached to the tyrosine residue at the N-terminal part of the molecule. Tesamorelin is prepared as an acetate salt. The molecular formula of tesamorelin acetate is C221H366N72O67S • x C2H4O2 (x ≈ 7) and its molecular weight (as free base equivalent) is 5135.9 Da. The structural formula of tesamorelin acetate is:
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EGRIFTA WR (tesamorelin) for injection is a sterile, white to off-white, preservative-free lyophilized powder for subcutaneous injection. Each single-patient-use vial of EGRIFTA WR contains tesamorelin 11.6 mg (equivalent to approximately 11.9 mg of tesamorelin acetate) and the following inactive ingredients: 145 mg hydroxypropyl betadex, 43.5 mg mannitol. Hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide may be used to adjust the pH. The pH of EGRIFTA WR is between 4.5 and 7.4. After reconstitution with 1.3 mL of Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, USP, resultant concentration is 8 mg/mL and the solution is clear and colorless. Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, USP contains benzyl alcohol as preservative.
EGRIFTA WR is indicated for the reduction of excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected adult patients with lipodystrophy.
For injection: 11.6 mg of tesamorelin as a white to off-white lyophilized powder in a single-patient-use vial for reconstitution and a diluent of 30 mL of multiple-dose Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, USP.
EGRIFTA WR (tesamorelin) for injection is supplied as a white to off-white lyophilized powder in a 11.6 mg single-patient-use vial with a 30 mL multiple-dose bottle of Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, USP, as diluent.
EGRIFTA WR (NDC 62064-381-04) is available in a package comprised of two boxes, containing 4 (four) 11.6 mg single-patient-use vials of EGRIFTA WR in the Medication Box and 1 (one) multiple-dose 30 mL bottles of Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, USP, diluent with a 28-day supply of disposable syringes, needles and alcohol swabs in the Injection Box.
Store EGRIFTA WR 11.6 mg vial at room temperature at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) in the original box to protect from light; excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Store the Injection box (containing Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, syringes, needles and alcohol swabs) at room temperature at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Do not freeze.
Manufactured by Theratechnologies Inc., 2015 Peel Street, Suite 1100, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3A 1T8. Revised: Mar 2025
The following important adverse reactions are also described elsewhere in the labeling:
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
The safety of EGRIFTA WR (11.6 mg/vial formulation) has been established based on clinical trials conducted with EGRIFTA (1 mg/vial formulation). Adverse reactions for the 1.28 mg dose (11.6 mg/vial formulation) of EGRIFTA WR are expected to be similar to those observed with the 2 mg dose (1 mg/vial formulation) of EGRIFTA [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Seven hundred and forty (740) HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy and excess abdominal fat were treated with EGRIFTA in clinical trials; of these, 543 received EGRIFTA during the initial 26-week placebo-controlled phase.
The most commonly reported adverse reactions were hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., rash, urticaria), edema-related reactions (e.g., arthralgia, extremity pain, peripheral edema, and carpal tunnel syndrome), hyperglycemia, and injection site reactions (injection site erythema, pruritus, pain, urticaria, irritation, swelling, and hemorrhage).
Adverse reactions that occurred more frequently with EGRIFTA relative to placebo and had an incidence ≥1% during the first 26 weeks across all studies are presented in Table 1.
Table 1: Adverse Reactions Reported in ≥ 1% and
More Frequent in EGRIFTA?treated than Placebo Patients during the 26-Week Phase
(Combined Studies)
| Preferred Term | Placebo (N=263) |
EGRIFTA (N=543) |
| Injection site reaction* | 6 | 17 |
| Arthralgia | 11 | 13 |
| Pain in extremity | 5 | 6 |
| Myalgia | 2 | 6 |
| Edema peripheral | 2 | 6 |
| Paresthesia | 2 | 5 |
| Hypoesthesia | 2 | 4 |
| Rash | 2 | 4 |
| Dyspepsia | 1 | 2 |
| Musculoskeletal pain | 1 | 2 |
| Pain | 1 | 2 |
| Pruritus | 1 | 2 |
| Vomiting | 0 | 3 |
| Musculoskeletal stiffness | 0 | 2 |
| Blood creatine phosphokinase increased | 0 | 1 |
| Carpal tunnel syndrome | 0 | 1 |
| Joint swelling | 0 | 1 |
| Muscle strain | 0 | 1 |
| Night sweats | 0 | 1 |
| Palpitations | 0 | 1 |
| *Injection site reaction includes: Injection site erythema, Injection site pruritus, Injection site rash, Injection site urticaria, Injection site pain, Injection site swelling, Injection site irritation, Injection site hemorrhage. | ||
In the EGRIFTA clinical trials, mean baseline HbA1c was 5.3% among patients in both the EGRIFTA and placebo groups. Patients receiving EGRIFTA had an increased risk of developing diabetes (HbA1c level ≥ 6.5%) compared with placebo (5% vs. 1%), with a hazard ratio of 3.3 (CI 1.4, 9.6).
Co-administration of tesamorelin with simvastatin, a CYP3A substrate had no significant impact on the pharmacokinetics profiles of simvastatin in healthy subjects [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
EGRIFTA WR stimulates GH production. Published data indicate that GH may modulate cytochrome P450 (CYP450) mediated antipyrine clearance. These data suggest that GH may alter the clearance of compounds known to be metabolized by CYP450 liver enzymes (e.g., corticosteroids, sex steroids, anticonvulsants, and cyclosporine). Monitor patients for potential interactions when administering EGRIFTA WR in combination with other drugs known to be metabolized by CYP450 liver enzymes.
GH inhibits 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11βHSD-1), a microsomal enzyme required for conversion of cortisone to its active metabolite, cortisol, in hepatic and adipose tissue. EGRIFTA WR stimulates GH production; therefore, patients receiving glucocorticoid replacement for previously diagnosed hypoadrenalism may require an increase in maintenance or stress doses following initiation of EGRIFTA WR. Patients treated with cortisone acetate and prednisone may be affected more than others because conversion of these drugs to their biologically active metabolites is dependent on the activity of 11βHSD-1.
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
Carefully consider the decision to start treatment with EGRIFTA WR based on the increased background risk of malignancies in HIV-positive patients.
EGRIFTA WR induces the release of endogenous growth hormone (GH), a known growth factor. Do not treat patients with active malignancy with EGRIFTA WR [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
For patients with a history of non-malignant neoplasms, initiate EGRIFTA WR therapy after careful evaluation of the potential benefit of treatment. For patients with a history of treated and stable malignancies, initiate EGRIFTA WR therapy only after careful evaluation of the potential benefit of treatment relative to the risk of re-activation of the underlying malignancy. Discontinue EGRIFTA WR if there is any evidence of recurrent malignancy.
EGRIFTA WR stimulates GH production and increases serum IGF-1, a growth factor. The effects of prolonged elevations in IGF-1 levels are unknown. Monitor IGF-1 levels during EGRIFTA WR therapy. Consider discontinuing EGRIFTA WR in patients with persistent elevations of IGF-1 levels (e.g., >3 SDS), particularly if the efficacy response is not robust.
Among patients who received EGRIFTA for 26 weeks, 47% had IGF-1 levels greater than 2 standard deviation scores (SDS), and 36% had SDS >3, with this effect seen as early as 13 weeks of treatment. Among those patients who remained on EGRIFTA for a total of 52 weeks, at the end of treatment, 34% had IGF-1 SDS >2 and 23% had IGF-1 SDS >3.
Fluid retention may occur during EGRIFTA WR therapy and is thought to be related to the induction of GH secretion. This manifests as increased tissue turgor and musculoskeletal discomfort resulting in adverse reactions (e.g. edema, arthralgia, and carpal tunnel syndrome) which are either transient or resolve with discontinuation of treatment.
EGRIFTA WR treatment can result in glucose intolerance. During clinical trials, the percentages of patients with elevated HbA1c (≥ 6.5%) from baseline to Week 26 were 5% and 1% in the EGRIFTA and placebo groups, respectively. An increased risk of developing diabetes with EGRIFTA (HbA1c level ≥ 6.5%) relative to placebo was observed [intent-to-treat hazard odds ratio of 3.3 (CI 1.4, 9.6)].
Evaluate glucose status prior to initiating EGRIFTA WR. Monitor all patients treated with EGRIFTA WR periodically to diagnose those who develop impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes. If patients treated with EGRIFTA WR develop glucose intolerance or diabetes, consider discontinuing EGRIFTA WR in patients who do not show a clear efficacy response.
EGRIFTA WR increases IGF-1, monitor patients with diabetes who are receiving treatment with TESAMORELIN for injection at regular intervals for potential development or worsening of retinopathy.
Hypersensitivity reactions occurred in 4% of patients treated with EGRIFTA in clinical trials. Reactions included pruritus, erythema, flushing, urticaria, and rash. In cases of suspected hypersensitivity reactions, advise patients to seek prompt medical attention and immediately discontinue treatment with EGRIFTA WR.
EGRIFTA WR treatment may cause injection site reactions, including injection site erythema, pruritus, pain, irritation, and bruising. The incidence of injection site reactions was 25% in EGRIFTA treated patients and 14% in placebo-treated patients during the first 26 weeks of treatment in clinical trials. Rotate injection sites to different areas of the abdomen to decrease injection site reactions [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Increased mortality in patients with acute critical illness due to complications following open heart surgery, abdominal surgery or multiple accidental trauma, or those with acute respiratory failure has been reported after treatment with pharmacologic amounts of growth hormone. EGRIFTA WR is a growth hormonereleasing hormone (GHRH) and since it stimulates growth hormone production, consider discontinuing EGRIFTA WR in critically ill patients.
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (PATIENT INFORMATION and Instructions for Use).
Inform patients about the increased background risk of malignancies in HIV-positive patients and for patients with a history of neoplasms, inform them about the risk of malignancy reoccurrence [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Inform patients that treatment with EGRIFTA WR increases IGF-1 levels and that they will need periodic monitoring of their IGF-1 levels [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Inform patients that treatment with EGRIFTA WR may cause fluid retention, resulting in adverse reactions including edema, arthralgia, and carpal tunnel syndrome [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Inform patients that treatment with EGRIFTA WR may result in glucose intolerance or diabetes mellitus. Advise patients that they will need to be monitored to see if impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes mellitus develops, and that if they have pre-existing diabetes mellitus, they may need adjustments to their antidiabetic medications [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Inform patients that hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., rash, urticaria) may occur during treatment with EGRIFTA WR. Advise patients to seek prompt medical attention and to immediately discontinue treatment with EGRIFTA WR if a reaction occurs [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Inform patients that injection site reactions may occur with EGRIFTA WR, including injection site erythema, pruritus, pain, irritation, and bruising. Advise patients to rotate the site of injection to reduce the risk of injection site reactions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise women to discontinue EGRIFTA WR if pregnancy occurs, as the drug offers no known benefit to pregnant women and could result in fetal harm [see CONTRAINDICATIONS and Use In Specific Populations].
Because of both the potential for HIV-1 infection transmission and serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, mothers receiving EGRIFTA WR should be instructed not to breastfeed [see Use In Specific Populations].
Counsel patients that they should never share an EGRIFTA WR syringe with another person, even if the needle is changed. Sharing of syringes or needles between patients may pose a risk of transmission of infection.
Life-time carcinogenicity studies in rodents have not been conducted with tesamorelin acetate. No potential mutagenicity of tesamorelin acetate was revealed in a battery of tests including induction of gene mutations in bacteria (the Ames test), gene mutations in mammalian cells grown in vitro (hamster CHOK1 cells), and chromosomal damage in intact animals (bone marrow cells in mice). There was no effect on fertility in male or female rats following administration of tesamorelin acetate at doses up to 0.6 mg/kg (approximately equal to clinical exposure) for 28 days in males or 14 days in females.
EGRIFTA WR is contraindicated in pregnant women because modifying visceral adipose tissue offers no benefit in pregnant women and could result in fetal harm [see Clinical Considerations and CONTRAINDICATIONS]. Administration of tesamorelin acetate to rats during organogenesis resulted in hydrocephaly in offspring at a dose of approximately two and four times the clinical dose, based on measured drug exposure (AUC). If EGRIFTA WR is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking it, discontinue EGRIFTA WR.
The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.
Disease-Associated Maternal And/Or Embryo/Fetal Risk
During pregnancy, visceral adipose tissue increases due to normal metabolic and hormonal changes. Modifying pregnancy-associated physiologic changes in visceral adipose tissue with EGRIFTA WR offers no known benefit and could result in fetal harm.
Animal Data
Tesamorelin acetate administration to rats during organogenesis and lactation resulted in hydrocephaly in offspring at a dose of approximately two and four times the clinical dose, respectively, based on measured drug exposure (AUC). Actual animal dose was 1.2 mg/kg. During organogenesis, lower doses approximately 0.1 to 1-times the clinical dose caused delayed skull ossification in rats. Actual animal doses were 0.1 to 0.6 mg/kg. No adverse developmental effects occurred in rabbits using doses up to approximately 500 times the clinical dose.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that HIV-infected mothers in the United States not breastfeed their infants to avoid risking postnatal transmission of HIV-1 infection. There are no data on the presence of tesamorelin in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production. Because of both the potential for (1) HIV-1 infection transmission (in HIV-negative infants), (2) developing viral resistance (in HIV-positive patients), and (3) any possible adverse effects of tesamorelin, mothers should not breastfeed if they receive EGRIFTA WR.
The safety and effectiveness of EGRIFTA WR in pediatric patients have not been established.
In pediatric patients with open epiphyses, treatment with EGRIFTA WR may result in linear growth acceleration and excessive growth. EGRIFTA WR is not indicated for use in pediatric patients with open or closed epiphyses.
There is no information on the use of EGRIFTA WR in patients greater than 65 years of age.
No Information provided
EGRIFTA WR is contraindicated in:
In vitro, tesamorelin binds and stimulates human GRF receptors with similar potency as the endogenous GRF [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Growth hormone-releasing factor (GHRF), also known as growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), is a hypothalamic peptide that acts on the pituitary somatotroph cells to stimulate the synthesis and pulsatile release of endogenous growth hormone (GH), which is both anabolic and lipolytic. GH exerts its effects by interacting with specific receptors on a variety of target cells, including chondrocytes, osteoblasts, myocytes, hepatocytes, and adipocytes, resulting in a host of pharmacodynamic effects. Some, but not all these effects, are primarily mediated by IGF-1 produced in the liver and in peripheral tissues.
Tesamorelin stimulates growth hormone secretion, and subsequently increases IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels. No clinically significant changes in the levels of other pituitary hormones, including thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and prolactin, were observed in patients receiving EGRIFTA in clinical trials.
The absolute bioavailability of tesamorelin after subcutaneous administration of a 2 mg dose of EGRIFTA (1 mg/vial formulation) was determined to be less than 4% in healthy adult subjects.
Single and multiple dose pharmacokinetics have been characterized in healthy subjects and HIV-infected patients without lipodystrophy using a 2 mg dose of EGRIFTA (1 mg/vial formulation). Tesamorelin mean extent of absorption (AUC) was 34% higher in HIV-infected patients than healthy subjects. Tesamorelin peak plasma concentration (Cmax) was similar in HIV-infected patients and healthy subjects. The median peak plasma tesamorelin concentration (Tmax) was 0.15 h in both populations.
Following single dose of subcutaneous administration of 1.28 mg of EGRIFTA WR (11.6 mg/vial formulation) in healthy subjects, the mean [coefficient of variation (CV)] AUC0-inf was 1172 (48%) pg.h/mL. The mean (CV) Cmax value was 3831 (40%) pg/mL and the median Tmax was 0.15 h.
The systemic exposure (Cmax and AUCs) of tesamorelin is similar between the 1.28 mg dose of EGRIFTA WR (11.6 mg/vial formulation) and the 2 mg dose of EGRIFTA (1 mg/vial formulation).
The mean volume of distribution (±SD) of tesamorelin following a single subcutaneous administration of the 1.28 mg dose of EGRIFTA WR (11.6 mg/vial formulation) was 4.8 ± 1.9 L/kg in healthy subjects.
No formal metabolism studies have been performed in humans.
Mean elimination half-life (t½) of tesamorelin was 11 minutes in healthy subjects after single dose subcutaneous administration of the 1.28 mg of EGRIFTA WR (11.6 mg/vial formulation).
Pharmacokinetics of tesamorelin in patients with renal or hepatic impairment, in pediatric patients, or in elderly patients has not been established.
The effect of multiple dose administration of EGRIFTA on the pharmacokinetics of simvastatin and simvastatin acid was evaluated in healthy subjects. Co-administration with simvastatin (a CYP3A substrate) resulted in 8% decrease in extent of absorption (AUCinf) and 5% increase in rate of absorption (Cmax) of simvastatin. For simvastatin acid there was a 15% decrease in AUCinf and 1% decrease in Cmax [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
The effect of multiple dose administration of EGRIFTA on the pharmacokinetics of ritonavir was evaluated in healthy subjects. Co-administration with ritonavir resulted in 9% decrease in AUCinf and 11% decrease in Cmax of ritonavir [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
The observed incidence of anti-drug antibodies is highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Differences in assay methods preclude meaningful comparisons of the incidence of anti-drug antibodies in the studies described below with the incidence of the anti-drug antibodies in other studies, including those of EGRIFTA WR or other growth hormone-releasing factor analog.
In the clinical trials with the EGRIFTA 1 mg/vial formulation, anti-tesamorelin IgG antibodies were detected in 50% of patients who received EGRIFTA for 26 weeks and 47% of patients who received EGRIFTA for 52 weeks. In the subset of patients with hypersensitivity reactions, anti-tesamorelin IgG antibodies were detected in 85%. Cross-reactivity to endogenous growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) was observed in approximately 60% of patients who developed anti-tesamorelin antibodies. Patients with and without anti-tesamorelin IgG antibodies had similar mean reductions in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and IGF-1 response. In a group of patients who had antibodies to tesamorelin after 26 weeks of treatment (56%) and were re-assessed 6 months later, after stopping EGRIFTA treatment, 18% were still antibody positive.
Neutralizing antibodies to tesamorelin and human GHRH (hGHRH) were detected in vitro at Week 52 in 10% and 5% of EGRIFTA-treated patients, respectively. Changes in VAT and IGF-1 levels in patients with or without in vitro neutralizing antibodies were comparable.
The safety and effectiveness of EGRIFTA WR (11.6 mg/vial formulation) has been established based on adequate and well controlled studies with EGRIFTA (1 mg/vial formulation), as well as a demonstration of comparable bioavailability between the 1.28 mg EGRIFTA WR dose (11.6 mg/vial formulation) and the 2 mg EGRIFTA dose (1 mg/vial formulation) [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Two multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies were conducted in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy and excess abdominal fat (abdominal lipohypertrophy). Study 1 and Study 2 consisted of a 26-week Main Phase and a 26-week Extension Phase, respectively. Main inclusion criteria were age 18 to 65 years, a waist circumference ≥95 cm (37.4 inches) and a waist-to-hip ratio ≥0.94 for men and ≥94 cm (37.0 inches) and ≥0.88 for women, respectively, and fasting blood glucose (FBG) <150 mg/dL (8.33 mmol/L). Main exclusion criteria included BMI ≤ 20 kg/m², type 1 diabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes mellitus, previous treatment with insulin or with oral hypoglycemic or insulin-sensitizing agents, history of malignancy, and hypopituitarism. Patients were on a stable anti-retroviral regimen for at least 8 weeks prior to randomization. Patients meeting the inclusion/exclusion criteria were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive a 2 mg dose of EGRIFTA (1 mg/vial formulation) or placebo subcutaneously daily for 26 weeks. The primary efficacy assessment for each of these studies was the percent change from baseline to Week 26 in visceral adipose tissue (VAT), as assessed by computed tomography (CT) scan at L4-L5 vertebral level. Secondary endpoints included changes from baseline in patient-reported outcomes related to body image, triglycerides, ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol, IGF-1 levels, and safety parameters. Other endpoints included changes from baseline in waist circumference, abdominal subcutaneous tissue (SAT), trunk fat, and lean body mass. In both studies, EGRIFTA-treated patients completing the 26-week treatment period were re-randomized to blinded therapy with either daily placebo or a 2 mg dose of EGRIFTA (1 mg/vial formulation) for an additional 26-week treatment period (Extension Phase) in order to assess maintenance of VAT reduction and to gather long-term safety data. For inclusion in the Extension Phase studies, subjects must have completed the Main Phase with FBG ≤ 150 mg/dL.
Study 1 (NCT 00123253)
This study randomized 412 HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy and excess abdominal fat to receive either a 2 mg dose of EGRIFTA (1 mg/vial formulation) (N=273) or placebo (N=137). At baseline for the two groups combined, mean age was 48 years; 86% were male; 75% were white, 14% were Black/African American, and 8% were Hispanic; mean weight was 90 kg; mean BMI was 29 kg/m²; mean waist circumference was 104 cm; mean hip circumference was 100 cm; mean VAT was 176 cm²; mean CD4 cell count was 606 cells/mm³; 69% had undetectable viral load (<50 copies/mL); and 33.7% randomized to EGRIFTA and 36.6% randomized to placebo had impaired glucose tolerance, while 5.6% randomized to EGRIFTA and 6.7% randomized to placebo had diet-controlled diabetes mellitus. The twenty-six week completion rate in Study 1 was 80%.
Study 2 (NCT 00435136)
This study randomized 404 HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy and excess abdominal fat to receive either a 2 mg dose of EGRIFTA (1 mg/vial formulation) (N=270) or placebo (N=126). At baseline for the two groups combined, mean age was 48 years; 84% were male; 77% were white, 12% were Black/African American, and 9% were Hispanic; mean weight was 88 kg; mean BMI was 29 kg/m²; mean waist circumference was 105 cm; mean hip circumference was 100 cm; mean VAT was 189 cm²; mean CD4 cell count was 592 cells/mm³; 83% had undetectable viral load (<50 copies/mL); and 44% randomized to EGRIFTA and 40% randomized to placebo had impaired glucose tolerance, while 9% randomized to EGRIFTA and 10% randomized to placebo had diet-controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus. The twenty-six week completion rate in Study 2 was 74%.
Results for the Main Phases of Studies 1 and 2 are presented in Tables 2 and 3.
Table 2: Changes from Baseline to Week 26 in Visceral Adipose Tissue (cm²) by Treatment Group (Intent-To-Treat Population with Last Observation Carried Forward)
| Study 1 | Study 2 | |||
| 2 mg EGRIFTA (1 mg/vial) (N=273) |
Placebo (N=137) |
2 mg EGRIFTA (1 mg/vial) (N=270) |
Placebo (N=126) |
|
| Baseline (cm²) | 178 (77) | 171 (77) | 186 (87) | 195 (95) |
| Change (cm²) | -27 | 4 | -21 | -0 |
| Mean treatment difference (95% CI) | -31 (-39,-24) | -21 (-29,-12) | ||
| Mean change (%)1 | -18 | 2 | -14 | -2 |
| Mean treatment difference (95% CI)1 | -20 (-24, -15) | -12 (-16, -7) | ||
| Baseline data are expressed as mean (SD); Change refers to least-squares mean (LSM); CI: confidence interval. 1 Results derived from the statistical model: Ln(VAT Week 26/VAT Baseline) = Ln(VAT Baseline) + treatment group |
||||
Table 3: Changes from Baseline to Week 26 in IGF-1, IGFBP-3, Weight, and Waist Circumference by Treatment Group (Intent-To-Treat Population with Last Observation Carried Forward)
| MAIN PHASE (Baseline-Week 26) | |||||
| Study 1 | Study 2 | ||||
| 2 mg EGRIFTA (1 mg/vial) (N=273) | Placebo (N=137) | 2 mg EGRIFTA (1 mg/vial) (N=270) | Placebo (N=126) | ||
| IGF-1 (ng/mL) | Baseline | 161 (59) | 168 (75) | 146 (66) | 149 (59) |
| Change | 107 | -15 | 108 | 3 | |
| Mean treatment difference (95% CI) | 122 (101, 141) | 105 (85, 126) | |||
| IGFBP-3 (mg/L) | Baseline | 3 (1) | 3 (1) | 3 (1) | 3 (1) |
| Change | 0.4 | -0.2 | 0.8 | -0.0 | |
| Mean treatment difference (95% CI) | 0.6 (0.5, 0.8) | 0.8 (0.5, 1.0) | |||
| Weight (kg) | Baseline | 90 (14) | 90 (14) | 89 (14) | 87(16) |
| Change | -0.4 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 0.3 | |
| Mean treatment difference (95% CI) | -0.4 (-1.3, 0.5) | 0.2 (-0.7, 1.3) | |||
| Waist circumference (cm) | Baseline | 104 (10) | 105 (9) | 105 (9) | 105 (9) |
| Change | -3 (5) | -1 (4) | -2 (5) | -1 (5) | |
| Mean treatment difference (95% CI) | -2 (-2.8, -0.9) | -1 (-2.5, -0.3) | |||
Baseline data are expressed as mean (SD); Change refers to least-squares mean (LSM); CI: confidence interval.
At Week 26, treatment with a 2 mg dose of EGRIFTA (1 mg/vial formulation) resulted in a reduction from baseline in mean trunk fat of 1.0 kg in Study 1 and 0.8 kg in Study 2, respectively (compared with an increase of 0.4 kg in Study 1 and of 0.2 kg in Study 2, respectively, in patients receiving placebo). Treatment with EGRIFTA resulted in an increase from baseline in mean lean body mass of 1.3 kg in Study 1 and of 1.2 kg in Study 2, respectively (compared with a decrease of 0.2 kg in Study 1 and of 0.03 kg in Study 2, respectively, in patients receiving placebo).
Patients rated the degree of distress associated with their belly appearance on a 9-point rating scale that was then transformed to a score from 0 (extremely upsetting and distressing) to 100 (extremely encouraging). A score of 50 indicated neutral (no feeling either way). A positive change from baseline score indicated improvement, i.e., less distress.
The cumulative distribution of response (change from baseline to 26 weeks) is shown in Figure 1 for both treatment groups. A curve shifted to the right on this scale indicates a greater percentage of patients reporting improvement.
Figure 1: Cumulative Distribution of Response for Belly Appearance Distress
 |
In the double-blind Extension Phase, patients on a 2 mg dose of EGRIFTA (1 mg/vial formulation) completing the 26-week Main Phase were re-randomized to receive a 2 mg dose of EGRIFTA (1 mg/ vial formulation) or placebo.
Study 1 (NCT 00123253)
This study re-randomized 207 HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy who completed a 2 mg dose of EGRIFTA (1 mg/vial formulation) treatment in the Main Phase to receive either EGRIFTA (N=154) or placebo (N=50) for an additional 26-week duration (3:1 randomization ratio). At baseline (Week 26) for the two groups combined, mean age was 48 years; 88% were male; 78% were white, 12% were Black/African American, and 8% were Hispanic; mean weight was 90 kg; mean BMI was 29 kg/m²; mean waist circumference was 102 cm; mean hip circumference was 100 cm; mean VAT was 145 cm²; mean CD4 cell count was 639 cells/mm³; 68% had undetectable viral load (<50 copies/mL); and for those EGRIFTAtreated patients completing the 26-week treatment period that were re-randomized to EGRIFTA (T-T group) or re-randomized to placebo, 37% and 32%, respectively, had impaired glucose tolerance, while 2% rerandomized to EGRIFTA and 6% re-randomized to placebo had diet-controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus. The completion rate for patients randomized into the extension phase of Study 1 was 83%.
Study 2 (NCT 00435136)
This study re-randomized 177 HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy who completed EGRIFTA treatment in the Main Phase to receive either a 2 mg dose of EGRIFTA (1 mg/vial formulation) (N=92) or placebo (N=85) for an additional 26-week duration (1:1 randomization ratio). At baseline (Week 26) for the two groups combined, mean age was 48 years; 90% were male; 84% were white, 9% were Black/African American, and 7% were Hispanic; mean weight was 89 kg; mean BMI was 28 kg/m²; mean waist circumference was 105 cm; mean hip circumference was 100 cm; mean VAT was 172 cm²; mean CD4 cell count was 579 cells/mm³; 82% had undetectable viral load (<50 copies/mL); and for those EGRIFTAtreated patients completing the 26-week treatment period that were re-randomized to EGRIFTA (T-T group) or re-randomized to placebo, 49% and 51%, respectively, had impaired glucose tolerance, while 4% re-randomized to EGRIFTA and 13% re-randomized to placebo had diet-controlled diabetes mellitus. The completion rate for patients randomized into the extension phase of Study 2 was 81%.
Results for the Extension Phases of Studies 1 and 2 are presented in Tables 4 and 5.
Table 4: Changes from Week 26 Baseline to Week 52 in Visceral Adipose Tissue (cm²) by Treatment Group (Intent-To-Treat Population with Last Observation Carried Forward)
| EXTENSION PHASE (Week 26-52) | ||||
| Study 1 | Study 2 | |||
| T-T1 (Week 26-52) (N=154) |
T-P2 (Week 26-52) (N=50) |
T-T1 (Week 26-52) (N=92) |
T-P2 (Week 26-52) (N=85) |
|
| Week 26 (cm²) | 145 (72) | 144 (72) | 166(89) | 177 (88) |
| Change (cm²) | 3 | 25 | -11 | 24 |
| Mean treatment difference (95% CI) | -22 (-34, -10) | -35 (-48, -22) | ||
| Mean change (%)3 | 0 | 22 | -5 | 16 |
| Mean treatment difference (95% CI)3 | -17 (-24, -10) | -18 (-24, -11) | ||
| Week 26 baseline data are expressed as mean (SD). Change refers to least-squares mean (LSM); CI: confidence interval. 1T-T = tesamorelin for Weeks 0-26 and tesamorelin for Weeks 26-52 2T-P = tesamorelin for Weeks 0-26 and placebo for Weeks 26-52 3Results derived from the statistical model: Ln(VAT Week 52/Week 26) = Ln(Week 26 VAT) + treatment group |
||||
Figure 2 shows the percent change in VAT from baseline (Week 0) over time until 52 weeks in completer patients.
Figure 2: Percent Change from Baseline in VAT over Time
 |
Data in Figure 2 are expressed as mean values. T-T (tesamorelin to tesamorelin) refers to the group of patients who received tesamorelin for Weeks 0-26 and were re-randomized to tesamorelin for Weeks 26- 52. T-P (tesamorelin to placebo) refers to the group of patients who received tesamorelin for Weeks 0-26 and were re-randomized to placebo for Weeks 26-52. P-T (placebo to tesamorelin) refers to the group of patients who received placebo for Weeks 0-26 and were switched to tesamorelin (treated open label) for Weeks 26-52.
Table 5: Changes from Week 26 Baseline to Week 52 in IGF-1, IGFBP-3, Weight, and Waist Circumference by Treatment Group (Intent-To-Treat Population with Last Observation Carried Forward)
| EXTENSION PHASE (Weeks 26-52) | |||||
| Study 1 | Study 2 | ||||
| T-T1 (Week 26-52) (N=154) |
T-P2 (Week 26-52) (N=50) |
T-T1 (Week 26-52) (N=92) |
T-P2 (Week 26-52) (N=85) |
||
| IGF-1 (ng/mL) | Week 26 | 291 (124) | 281 (105) | 280 (134) | 269 (110) |
| Change | -59 | -137 | -25 | -135 | |
| Mean treatment difference (95% CI) | 78 (50, 106) | 110 (87, 134) | |||
| IGFBP-3 (mg/L) | Week 26 | 3 (1) | 3 (1) | 3 (1) | 3 (1) |
| Change | -0.2 | -0.5 | -0.3 | -0.9 | |
| Mean treatment difference (95% CI) | 0.3 (-0.0, 0.6) | 0.6 (0.3, 0.9) | |||
| Weight (kg) | Week 26 | 89 (14) | 92 (17) | 89 (13) | 90 (14) |
| Change | 0.2 | 0.6 | -0.5 | 0.1 | |
| Mean treatment difference (95% CI) | -0.4 (-2, 1) | -0.6 (-2, 1) | |||
| Waist circumference (cm) | Week 26 | 101(10) | 102 (12) | 101 (9) | 103 (11) |
| Change | -0.2 | 2.4 | -1.1 | 0.2 | |
| Mean treatment difference (95% CI) | -2.6 (-4, -1) | -1.3 (-2, 0) | |||
| Week 26 baseline data are expressed as mean (SD); Change refers to least-squares mean (LSM); CI: confidence interval. 1T-T = tesamorelin for Week 0-26 and tesamorelin for Week 26-52 2T-P = tesamorelin for Week 0-26 and placebo for Week 26-52 |
|||||
Patients treated with a 2 mg dose of EGRIFTA (1 mg/formulation) for 52 weeks (T-T group) showed no change between Weeks 26 and 52 in mean trunk fat (increase of 0.1 kg in Study 1 and decrease of 0.5 kg in Study 2, respectively, compared with an increase of 1.4 kg in patients in the T-P group in Study 1 and an increase of 1.09 kg in Study 2, respectively) nor was there a change from Week 26 baseline in mean lean body mass (decrease of 0.1 kg in Study 1 and increase of 0.1 kg in Study 2, respectively, compared with a decrease of 1.8 kg in patients in the T-P group in Study 1 and a decrease of 1.7 kg in Study 2, respectively).
EGRIFTA WR™
(tesamorelin) for injection for subcutaneous use 11.6 mg/vial
Read the Patient Information that comes with EGRIFTA WR before you start to take EGRIFTA WR and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This leaflet does not take the place of talking to your healthcare provider about your medical condition or your treatment.
What is EGRIFTA WR?
EGRIFTA WR is a prescription medicine used to reduce the excess stomach-area (abdominal) fat in HIV-infected adult patients with lipodystrophy. EGRIFTA WR is a growth hormone-releasing factor (GHRF).
The long-term safety of EGRIFTA WR on the heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular) is not known. EGRIFTA WR is not for weight loss management.
It is not known whether taking EGRIFTA WR helps improve how well you take (compliance with) antiretroviral medicines.
It is not known if EGRIFTA WR is safe and effective in children.
EGRIFTA WR is not recommended to be used in children with open or closed bone growth plates (epiphyses).
Who should not use EGRIFTA WR?
Do not use EGRIFTA WR if you:
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using EGRIFTA WR?
Before using EGRIFTA WR, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
How should I use EGRIFTA WR?
What are the possible side effects of EGRIFTA WR?
EGRIFTA WR may cause serious side effects, including:
The most common side effects of EGRIFTA WR include:
These are not all the possible side effects of EGRIFTA WR. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
You may also report side effects to toll-free at 1-833-23THERA (1-833-238-4372).
How should I store EGRIFTA WR 11.6 mg vials, Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, syringes, needles and alcohol swabs?
Keep EGRIFTA WR and all medicines out of the reach of children.
General information about the safe and effective use of EGRIFTA WR.
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use EGRIFTA WR for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give EGRIFTA WR to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them.
You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about EGRIFTA WR that is written for health professionals.
What are the ingredients in EGRIFTA WR?
Active ingredient: tesamorelin (as an acetate salt)
Inactive ingredients: hydrochloric acid, hydroxypropyl betadex, mannitol, sodium hydroxide
EGRIFTA WR does not contain any preservative. Bacteriostatic Water for Injection contains benzyl alcohol as preservative.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
EGRIFTA WR™
(tesamorelin) for injection for subcutaneous use
Note: This Instructions for Use contains information on how to mix and inject the EGRIFTA WR 11.6 mg vial.
Read and follow the steps for weekly mixing and daily injection of EGRIFTA WR 11.6 mg vial.
Important Information You Need to Know Before Injecting EGRIFTA WR 11.6 mg vial
Storing EGRIFTA WR
Box Content
Medication Box
Supplies for 28 days:
 |
Injection Box
Supplies for 28 days:
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Figure A
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Weekly Mixing (Day 1)
Getting Started
For Weekly Mixing of EGRIFTA WR, follow steps 1 through 23.
For Daily Injection (Day 1 to Day 7), follow steps 24 through 49.
Step 1: Use a well-lit, clean, and flat surface as a working area.
Step 2: Take out the following: (See Figure B)
Figure B
 |
Step 3: Wash and dry your hands well. (See Figure C)
Figure C
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Step 4: Inspect the compact powder in the EGRIFTA WR vial. It should be white to off-white. (See Figure D)
Figure D
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Step 5: Check the expiration dates (EXP) on the: (See Figure E)
Figure E
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Step 6: Remove the plastic caps from the vial and the bottle. (See Figure F)
Figure F
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Step 7: Clean the top of both the vial and the bottle with an alcohol swab (See Figure G). Throw away (discard) the alcohol swab after use.
Figure G
 |
Preparing to Mix EGRIFTA WR
Step 8: Take a BD Plastipak™ 3 mL Syringe with needle attached (clear cap) out of its packaging. (See Figure H)
Figure H
 |
Step 9: Pull the protective clear needle cap straight off and throw it away (discard) (See Figure I). Make sure the needle is tightly screwed to the syringe.
Figure I
 |
Step 10: Pull down the plunger to reach the 1½ mark (1.5 mL) on the syringe to fill it with air. (See Figure J)
Figure J
 |
Step 11: Insert the needle straight into the top of the Bacteriostatic Water for Injection bottle. (See Figure K)
Figure K
 |
Step 12: Turn the bottle and syringe upside down. (See Figure L)
Figure L
 |
Step 13: Push the plunger all the way up (See Figure M). Some resistance may be felt.
Figure M
 |
Step 14: Pull down the plunger slowly to reach the 1½ mark (1.5 mL) on the syringe. A visible air pocket and tiny air bubbles in the syringe are normal. (See Figure N)
Figure N
 |
Step 15: Turn the bottle right side up and remove the needle. (See Figure O)
Figure O
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Step 16: Place the syringe upright and tap it with your finger to force any large air bubbles to rise to the top. (See Figure P)
Figure P
 |
Step 17: Push the plunger up slowly to remove 0.2 mL of excess water and air out of the syringe and align the top rim of the plunger to the 1.3 mL mark. Some water should come out of the needle. (See Figure Q)
Figure Q
 |
Step 18: Put the Bacteriostatic Water for Injection bottle back in the Injection box for the next Weekly Mixing. (See Figure R)
Figure R
 |
Mixing EGRIFTA WR
Step 19: Insert the needle straight into the top of the EGRIFTA WR vial. (See Figure S)
Figure S
 |
Step 20: Push the plunger down until the syringe is completely empty. While keeping the plunger down, remove the needle from the vial. (See Figure T)
Figure T
 |
Step 21: Throw away (discard) the syringe and needle in the sharps container. (See Figure U)
Figure U
 |
Step 22: Move the vial in a circle (swirl) to mix all the powder and liquid. (See Figure V)
Figure V
 |
Step 23: Let the vial rest for a few seconds until the layer of foam separates and the solution becomes clear and colorless, with no particles in it. (See Figure W)
Figure W
 |
Daily Injection (DAY 1 TO DAY 7)
Preparing to Inject EGRIFTA WR
Step 24: For daily injection of EGRIFTA WR (step 24 through step 49), you will need: (See Figure X)
Figure X
 |
Step 25: Wash and dry your hands well. (See Figure Y)
Figure Y
 |
Step 26: Clean the top of the EGRIFTA WR vial with an alcohol swab (See Figure Z). Throw away (discard) the alcohol swab after use.
Figure Z
 |
Step 27: Take a BD SafetyGlide™ syringe with needle attached (orange cap) out of its packaging. (See Figure AA)
Figure AA
 |
Step 28: Twist the orange needle cap to clearly see the graduated markings on the syringe, if needed. (See Figure AB)
Figure AB
 |
Step 29: Pull the orange needle cap straight off and keep it aside. (See Figure AC)
Figure AC
 |
Step 30: Insert the needle carefully and straight into the top of the vial to avoid bending the needle. (See Figure AD)
Figure AD
 |
Step 31: Turn the vial and syringe upside down. (See Figure AE)
Figure AE
 |
Step 32: Pull down the plunger slowly to reach the 18 mark (0.18 mL). (See Figure AF)
Figure AF
 |
Step 33: Turn the vial right side up and remove the needle. (See Figure AG)
Figure AG
 |
Step 34: Place the syringe upright and tap it with your finger to force any air bubbles to rise to the top. (See Figure AH)
Figure AH
 |
Step 35: Hold the plunger rod half-way to carefully adjust the volume in step 36. (See Figure AI)
Figure AI
 |
Step 36: Adjust the plunger to reach exactly the 16 mark (0.16 mL) by slowly pushing the plunger up to remove air and excess liquid from the syringe (See Figure AJ). Some resistance may be felt when pushing the plunger.
Note: This is your recommended daily dose of EGRIFTA WR: 1.28 mg (0.16 mL).
Figure AJ
 |
Step 37: Safely place the orange needle cap on the needle. (See Figure AK)
Figure AK
 |
Step 38: Keep the mixed EGRIFTA WR vial for the next Daily Injections in the Medication Box at room temperature up to 77°F (25°C). (See Figure AL)
Figure AL
 |
Injecting EGRIFTA WR
Step 39: Choose an injection site on the stomach area (abdomen) that is at least 2 inches (5 cm) away from your belly button. (See the green area in Figure AM)
Figure AM
 |
Step 40: Clean the injection site with a new alcohol swab and let it dry. (See Figure AN)
Figure AN
 |
Step 41: Remove the orange needle cap and throw it away (discard). (See Figure AO)
Figure AO
 |
Step 42: Pinch a fold of skin at your cleaned injection site between your thumb and fingers. (See Figure AP)
Figure AP
 |
Step 43: Insert the needle straight into the skin. (See Figure AQ)
Figure AQ
 |
Step 44: Remove your hand from the pinched area of skin, while keeping the needle in the skin. (See Figure AR)
Figure AR
 |
Step 45: Push the plunger all the way down until all the medicine in the syringe has been injected under the skin. (See Figure AS)
Figure AS
 |
Step 46: Pull the needle out. (See Figure AT)
Figure AT
 |
Step 47: Hold the syringe and carefully slide up the white safety needle shield along the needle until you hear a “click”. (See Figure AU)
Figure AU
 |
Step 48: Throw away (discard) the syringe with the needle attached into the sharps container. (See Figure AV)
Figure AV
 |
Step 49: If there is bleeding at the injection site, use gauze to apply pressure and apply an adhesive bandage if necessary.
For the next Daily Injection (Day 2 to Day 7) go directly to step 24 of this Instructions for Use.
Throw away (discard) the EGRIFTA WR vial after it has been used for 7 Daily Injections (Day 1 TO Day 7).
Disposing of EGRIFTA WR
This Patient Information has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
