Tesamorelin
Also known as: Egrifta, Egrifta WR, Egrifta SV, TH9507, Tesamorelin F8
Popular For
Visceral fat reduction, body composition, HIV lipodystrophy
Key Facts: Tesamorelin
- Category
- Growth Hormone
- FDA Status
- FDA Approved
- Clinical Status
- FDA Approved - HIV lipodystrophy (March 2025: F8 formulation approved)
- Administration
- Subcutaneous injection
- Typical Dose
- 2 mg daily (F8: 1.28 mg daily)
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Evidence Level
- FDA Approved
- Duration
- Indefinite for approved indication
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 15-20% reduction in visceral adipose tissue over 26 weeks. March 2025: FDA approved new F8 formulation (Egrifta WR) with weekly reconstitution, reducing patient burden. CROI 2025 data highlighted limitations of BMI for cardiovascular risk assessment in HIV patients.
Dosing Information
Typical Dosingⓘ
Community experience
2 mg daily (F8: 1.28 mg daily)
1.28-2 mg daily
Once daily
FDA-approved dose is 2 mg (original) or 1.28 mg (F8/Egrifta WR formulation). Inject subcutaneously in abdomen. F8 requires weekly reconstitution vs daily.
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. Although technically not a peptide, it is 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.
Growth HormoneLooking for a trusted vendor?
Pro members get access to verified vendors with quality standards & exclusive discount codes.
Want updates on Tesamorelin research?
Subscribe to get notified when we add new research findings, protocol updates, and related peptide information.