Tesamorelin
Also known as: Egrifta, TH9507
Key Facts: Tesamorelin
- Category
- Growth Hormone
- FDA Status
- FDA Approved
- Clinical Status
- FDA Approved - HIV lipodystrophy
- Administration
- Subcutaneous injection
- Typical Dose
- 2 mg daily
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Evidence Level
- FDA Approved
- Duration
- Indefinite for approved indication
What to Expect
An FDA-approved GHRH analog used to reduce excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy. One of the few peptides with FDA approval.
Mechanism of Action
Tesamorelin is a stabilized analog of human GHRH that stimulates the pituitary to release growth hormone. It specifically reduces visceral adipose tissue (VAT) while having minimal effect on subcutaneous fat, likely through GH-mediated lipolysis.
Research Summary
FDA approved based on trials showing significant reduction in trunk fat (up to 18%) in HIV lipodystrophy patients. Studies also show improvements in lipid profiles, particularly triglycerides. Research ongoing for cognitive benefits and NAFLD treatment.
Dosing Information
Typical Dosingⓘ
Community experience
2 mg daily
1-2 mg daily
Once daily
FDA-approved dose is 2 mg. Inject subcutaneously in abdomen. Used for reducing visceral fat.
Research Dosingⓘ
Scientific studies
FDA-approved dosing
Doses from Studies
2 mg once daily
Duration
Indefinite for approved indication
Administration
Subcutaneous injection
Timing & Administration
Best Time to Take
Before bed (fasted)
Once daily before bed
Food Recommendation
Take on empty stomach
Why This Timing?
FDA-approved GHRH analog works best on empty stomach, timed with natural GH release during sleep.
Possible Side Effects
Not everyone experiences these effects. Individual responses vary based on dosage, duration, and personal factors.
- ●Injection site reactions (common)
- ●Joint pain
- ●Peripheral edema
- ●Pain in extremities
- ●Muscle pain
- ●Increased diabetes risk
- ●May elevate blood glucose
- ●Allergic reactions including anaphylaxis (rare)
- ●FDA approved for HIV lipodystrophy
References
Related Peptides
Peptides commonly compared with Tesamorelin or used in similar applications.
Ipamorelin
Clinical TrialsA selective growth hormone secretagogue that stimulates GH release without significantly affecting cortisol or prolactin. Considered one of the safest GHRPs.
Growth HormoneMK-677
Clinical TrialsAn orally active growth hormone secretagogue that mimics ghrelin. Not a peptide technically, but frequently discussed alongside GH peptides due to similar effects.
Growth HormoneCJC-1295
Clinical TrialsA synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) that stimulates GH release from the pituitary. Often combined with a GHRP like Ipamorelin for synergistic effects.
Growth HormoneGHRP-6
Clinical TrialsOne of the first synthetic GH secretagogues developed. Strongly stimulates GH release and significantly increases appetite through ghrelin receptor activation.
Growth HormoneGHRP-2
Clinical TrialsA synthetic hexapeptide that potently stimulates GH release. More potent than GHRP-6 with less appetite stimulation, but still elevates cortisol and prolactin.
Growth HormoneSermorelin
PreclinicalA truncated analog of natural GHRH containing the first 29 amino acids. Previously FDA-approved for pediatric GH deficiency, now used off-label for adult hormone optimization.
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Educational Information Only
This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare providers before making any decisions about peptides or other substances. The protocols listed reflect doses observed in research studies, not recommendations.