Tesamorelin
FDA-approved for visceral fat reduction — the most evidence-backed GHRH analogue for metabolic and body composition research.
Research facts
| Half-life | ~26 minutes |
|---|---|
| Route | SubQ |
| Typical dose | 1–2 mg/day |
| Frequency | Once daily (bedtime or morning) |
| Solvent | Bacteriostatic water |
| pH | 5.5–7.0 |
| Stability | 30 days at +4°C (light-sensitive) |
Mechanism of action
Tesamorelin is a synthetic analogue of endogenous GHRH with a trans-3-hexenoic acid modification at the N-terminus that improves plasma stability while preserving the full 44-amino acid GHRH sequence (unlike Sermorelin which uses only the first 29). FDA-approved as Egrifta for HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
It stimulates GH secretion via pituitary GHRH receptors, producing pulsatile GH release that drives hepatic IGF-1 production. Tesamorelin specifically targets visceral and liver fat through GH-mediated lipolysis: GH activates hormone-sensitive lipase in adipose tissue and suppresses lipoprotein lipase, shifting fat metabolism toward mobilisation from visceral depots.
Multiple Phase III RCTs (the IGSSRT trial and others) demonstrate 15–20% reductions in visceral adipose tissue and significant liver fat reductions. It also improves lipid profiles, cognitive performance in mild cognitive impairment trials, and potentially insulin sensitivity when visceral fat is reduced. This is the strongest clinical evidence base of any GHRH analogue.
Documented effects (research-model)
- 15–20% visceral fat reduction in RCTs (FDA-approved endpoint)
- Liver steatosis (fatty liver) reduction
- Triglyceride and LDL improvement via lipolysis
- Cognitive performance improvements in MCI research
- IGF-1 elevation supporting anti-ageing endpoints
- GH axis restoration in GH-deficient adults
Research protocols
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Cycle | Vial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 1 mg/day | Once daily SubQ (morning or bedtime) | 12–26 weeks | 2mg / 2mL BAC water |
| Advanced | 2 mg/day | Once daily | 26 weeks | 2mg / 1mL BAC water |
Research context only. Not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before any protocol decision.
Synergies
- Retatrutide MODERATE
Both target metabolic outcomes. Retatrutide primarily reduces appetite/GLP-1; Tesamorelin drives GH-mediated lipolysis. Different mechanisms for fat loss — review overlap carefully. - Ipamorelin MODERATE
Tesamorelin (GHRH) + Ipamorelin (GHRP) stack for enhanced GH output, similar to CJC-1295 + Ipa.
Myths & misconceptions
Evidence gaps
- Long-term safety beyond 26 weeks is not well-characterised.
- Effects on insulin resistance independent of fat loss need further research.
- Cognitive benefit data comes from small MCI trials — needs replication in larger populations.
Safety notes
FDA-approved — most safety data of any GHRH analogue. Monitor fasting glucose, HbA1c, and IGF-1. Fluid retention and joint discomfort possible. Contraindicated in active malignancy.
Biomarkers to monitor
Primary-source citations
- PMID 20581224 — Tesamorelin, a growth hormone-releasing factor analog, in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation (AIDS. 2010)
- PMID 24862378 — Effects of tesamorelin on cognition in older adults with MCI (Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2014)
Frequently asked
What is Tesamorelin?
Tesamorelin (Stabilised GHRH Analogue — FDA-Approved (Egrifta)) is a research compound classified in our library as Tier A — Reproducible human RCT data.. FDA-approved for visceral fat reduction — the most evidence-backed GHRH analogue for metabolic and body composition research.
What is the evidence tier for Tesamorelin?
We classify Tesamorelin as Tier A: Reproducible human RCT data. See our full peptide evidence tiers explainer for how we assign S/A/B/C/D.
What is the research dose of Tesamorelin?
For Tesamorelin, typical research dose is 1–2 mg/day, route is SubQ, half-life is ~26 minutes. Protocols vary by research goal — see the protocols section on this page for standard and advanced dosing schedules. Research use only, not medical advice.
Is Tesamorelin safe?
FDA-approved — most safety data of any GHRH analogue. Monitor fasting glucose, HbA1c, and IGF-1. Research context only — no compound on this site is approved for human therapeutic use unless explicitly noted.