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Tesamorelin

FDA Approved

Tesamorelin Acetate

An FDA-approved GHRH analog indicated for the reduction of excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected adults with lipodystrophy. FDA labeling states it is NOT indicated for weight-loss management.

SubQ injectionGrowth HormoneWeight ManagementBody Composition

Dose

2 mg

Route

SubQ injection

Cycle

Typically 6 months to 1 year, or longer depending on research goals

Storage

Store refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F), protected from light

What is Tesamorelin?

FDA labeling is specific: tesamorelin (Egrifta) is approved to reduce excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy, and the label explicitly states it is not indicated for weight-loss management. Research use outside that population — general visceral fat reduction, body recomposition, or weight loss — is off-label and not supported by the approval. Tesamorelin is a synthetic analogue of Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH). It acts by binding to GHRH receptors in the anterior pituitary gland, leading to the stimulation of endogenous growth hormone (GH) synthesis and release. Unlike exogenous GH, Tesamorelin promotes a more physiological secretion pattern of GH. It is particularly noted for its efficacy in reducing excess visceral adipose tissue (VAT), especially in patients with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Research also explores its potential benefits in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and other conditions where GH axis modulation is desired.

Key Benefits

  • Visceral fat reduction
  • GH stimulation
  • Improved body composition
  • Potential liver health benefits (NAFLD research)

Mechanism of Action

  • GHRH analog
  • Stimulates GH release
  • GH reduces visceral adipose tissue

Best For

  • Visceral fat research
  • Body composition
  • Metabolic health

Body Systems

EndocrineMetabolicLiver

🐾 Griffin Says...

One of the few GH peptides with actual FDA approval behind it. The visceral fat reduction data in HIV patients is solid. Researchers are now exploring it for NAFLD (fatty liver disease) too, which is exciting.

Molecular Information

Molecular weight

5135.8 g/mol

Length

44 amino acids

Type

Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) analog

Amino acid sequence

Tyr-Ala-Asp-Ala-Ile-Phe-Thr-Asn-Ser-Tyr-Arg-Lys-Val-Leu-Gly-Gln-Leu-Ser-Ala-Arg-Lys-Leu-Leu-Gln-Asp-Ile-Met-Ser-Arg-Gln-Gln-Gly-Glu-Ser-Asn-Gln-Glu-Arg-Gly-Ala-Arg-Ala-Arg-Leu-NH2

A synthetic 44-amino acid peptide amide corresponding to human GHRH with four amino acid substitutions (Ala at pos 2, Asp at pos 3, Ala at pos 8, and an extra Arg at pos 40, Tyr at pos 1, Gln at pos 16, Arg at pos 20, Leu at pos 23, Gln at pos 24, Met at pos 27, Arg at pos 30, Gln at pos 31, Gly at pos 32, Glu at pos 33, Ser at pos 34, Asn at pos 35, Gln at pos 36, Glu at pos 37, Arg at pos 38, Gly at pos 39, Ala at pos 40, Arg at pos 41, Arg at pos 42, Leu at pos 43)

Pharmacokinetics

Time to peak

Approximately 15 minutes (for Tesamorelin-derived GHRH)

Half-life

0.43 h

Time to clear

Within a few hours

DoseEstimated plasma concentration3 h

Based on studies of Tesamorelin and its active metabolite, GHRH(1-44)NH2

Research Indications

  • Endogenous GH Secretion

    Effectively stimulates the pituitary to release its own growth hormone, leading to increased GH and IGF-1 levels.

  • Physiological GH Pulsatility

    Promotes a more natural, pulsatile release pattern of GH compared to exogenous GH administration.

Research Protocols

GoalDoseFrequencyRoute
HIV-associated lipodystrophy (VAT reduction)2 mgOnce dailySubcutaneous injection
General GH axis stimulation and body composition1-2 mgOnce dailySubcutaneous injection
Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) research2 mgOnce dailySubcutaneous injection
IGF-1 level optimization in GH deficiency (off-label research)1 mgOnce dailySubcutaneous injection

Injection timing before bed is commonly discussed to coincide with the body's natural pulsatile GH release, potentially maximizing its effect on GH secretion during sleep.

Peptide Interactions

  • Corticosteroids

    Corticosteroids can suppress GH secretion, potentially attenuating the effects of Tesamorelin. Monitoring GH/IGF-1 levels is advisable.

    Use Caution

  • Antidiabetic medications (e.g., insulin, sulfonylureas)

    Tesamorelin can transiently affect glucose metabolism. Close monitoring of blood glucose and potential adjustment of antidiabetic medication dosages may be required.

    Monitor Combination

  • Other GHRH analogs (e.g., Sermorelin, CJC-1295)

    Concurrent use may lead to excessive GH/IGF-1 stimulation. Combining GHRH analogs is generally not necessary and may increase adverse effects.

    Monitor Combination

  • Somatostatin analogs (e.g., Octreotide)

    Somatostatin inhibits GH secretion. Concomitant use would counteract the effects of Tesamorelin.

    Avoid

  • Exogenous Growth Hormone (hGH)

    While theoretically possible, co-administration with exogenous hGH is generally not recommended as Tesamorelin's primary mechanism is to stimulate endogenous GH. This combination could lead to supraphysiological GH/IGF-1 levels and increased side effects.

    Monitor Combination

How to Reconstitute

  1. 1Gather vial of Tesamorelin, vial of sterile water for injection (or supplied diluent), 1mL syringe, and alcohol swabs.
  2. 2Clean the rubber stoppers of both vials with alcohol swabs and allow them to air dry.
  3. 3Using the 1mL syringe, draw 1 mL of sterile water for injection (or supplied diluent).
  4. 4Slowly inject the 1 mL of diluent into the Tesamorelin vial, aiming the stream at the glass wall of the vial, not directly onto the lyophilized powder.
  5. 5Gently swirl the vial to dissolve the powder completely. Do not shake, as this can degrade the peptide.
  6. 6Once fully dissolved, the solution should be clear and colorless. If particles are present or the solution is cloudy, do not use.

Aseptic technique is critical. The provided diluent is specific for Tesamorelin and should be used.

What to Expect

  • Weeks 1-4: Initial increases in IGF-1 levels and potential improvements in sleep quality or general well-being might be noticed. Local injection site reactions (redness, itching) are common.
  • Weeks 4-12: More consistent elevation of IGF-1 levels. Early indications of reduced abdominal fat may become apparent, though significant changes are usually not visible yet.
  • Months 3-6: Noticeable reductions in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) are commonly reported in research, along with improvements in body composition parameters. Some users may experience improvements in lipid profiles.
  • Months 6+: Continued reduction in VAT and sustained improvements in body composition. Long-term research indicates maintained benefits with ongoing use.

Side Effects & Safety

EffectFrequencySeverity
Joint painCommonMild
Water retentionCommonMild
Injection site reactionsCommonMild

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Peptides discussed here are for research purposes only. Nothing on this page is medical advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making health decisions.