Theratechnologies Launches EGRIFTA WR, First Weekly Formulation for HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy
Key Insights
Theratechnologies has launched EGRIFTA WR (search), an improved weekly formulation of tesamorelin that replaces daily reconstitution with weekly preparation for treating excess abdominal fat in HIV (search) patients with lipodystrophy (search).
The new formulation offers significant convenience advantages including reduced injection volume by more than half, room temperature storage, and patent protection until 2033 in the U.S.
EGRIFTA WR (search) remains the only FDA-approved medication for reducing excess abdominal fat in HIV (search) patients with lipodystrophy (search), addressing an underserved market with limited therapeutic alternatives.
Theratechnologies Inc. has announced the commercial availability of EGRIFTA WR (search)™ (tesamorelin) for injection, marking a significant advancement in the treatment of excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV (search) and lipodystrophy (search). The launch follows FDA approval earlier in 2025 and represents the first weekly formulation in this therapeutic area.
Enhanced Convenience Through Weekly Formulation
EGRIFTA WR (search)'s primary innovation lies in its weekly reconstitution design, replacing the daily reconstitution required by its predecessor, EGRIFTA SV (search)®. Each vial contains 11.6 mg of tesamorelin, sufficient for seven daily injections at 1.28 mg, with a significantly reduced injection volume and room-temperature storage capability.
"With EGRIFTA WR (search)™, we aim to simplify the management of excess visceral abdominal fat and enhance users' experience, as part of our commitment to helping people with HIV (search) live their best lives," said Christian Marsolais, Ph.D., Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Theratechnologies.
The new formulation requires less than half the injection volume compared to EGRIFTA SV (search)® and can be stored at room temperature (20° to 25°C [68° to 77°F]) both before and after reconstitution. These features directly address adherence challenges in long-term HIV (search) management, where complex regimens often lead to treatment discontinuation.
Market Position and Patent Protection
EGRIFTA WR (search) maintains its position as the only FDA-approved medication in the U.S. for reducing excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV (search) who have lipodystrophy (search). The formulation is patent protected in the U.S. until 2033, ensuring extended market exclusivity.
Pharmacokinetic studies have demonstrated bioequivalence of EGRIFTA WR (search) to the original F1 formulation of tesamorelin for injection. The most commonly reported adverse reactions include arthralgia, injection site reactions, pain in extremity, peripheral edema, and myalgia.
Commercial Transition and Patient Support
Specialty pharmacies are now ordering EGRIFTA WR (search) to fill prescriptions for the new formulation. EGRIFTA SV (search)® will continue to be available during a transitional period as managed care plans increasingly provide coverage for EGRIFTA WR.
The company has established the Thera Patient Support® program to facilitate the transition for patients currently using EGRIFTA SV (search)®. The program, offered free of charge, includes dedicated Thera Nurse Navigators who provide training on the use of EGRIFTA WR (search).
"Our goal is to ensure a smooth transition to EGRIFTA WR (search)™ for all eligible patients, and to safeguard their ongoing care," Dr. Marsolais commented.
Financial Context and Market Dynamics
Despite facing supply challenges in 2024, EGRIFTA SV (search) maintained strong demand with record patient enrollments reported in the first half of 2025. However, Q2 2025 revenue for EGRIFTA SV declined by 31.3% year-over-year to $11.1 million, partly due to government chargebacks and inventory management hurdles.
The company reported $19 million in Q1 2025 revenue, reflecting continued demand for its existing product. Theratechnologies' recent acquisition by Future Pak (search) in a $254 million deal, expected to close in Q4 2025, underscores investor confidence in the company's pipeline and market potential.
Clinical Significance and Limitations
EGRIFTA WR (search) functions as a growth hormone-releasing factor (search) (GHRF) analog that acts on pituitary cells (search) to stimulate the production and release of endogenous growth hormone. The medication addresses excess visceral abdominal fat, an increasingly important health concern for people living with HIV (search).
Important limitations include that long-term cardiovascular safety has not been established, and the medication is not indicated for weight loss management as it has a weight-neutral effect. There are no data supporting improved compliance with anti-retroviral therapies in HIV (search)-positive patients taking EGRIFTA WR (search).