Tesamorelin
GHRH Analog (FDA Approved)Also known as: Egrifta · TH9507
An FDA-approved GHRH(1-44) analog for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. The most clinically validated GHRH analog with proven visceral fat reduction.
Typical Dose
2 mg once daily
Route
Subcutaneous injection (abdomen)
Cycle
26 weeks (FDA approved duration); some protocols run 12–16 weeks
Half-life
~38 minutes
Storage
Reconstituted: 2–8°C, use within 24 hours (if sterile water) or 28 days (if BAC water).
Overview
Tesamorelin is a stabilized analog of Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) consisting of the full 44-amino-acid GHRH sequence conjugated to a trans-3-hexenoic acid moiety to prevent dipeptidyl peptidase-IV degradation. It is FDA approved as Egrifta for the treatment of HIV-associated lipodystrophy, a condition involving excess visceral adipose tissue accumulation from antiretroviral therapy.
Clinical trials demonstrated significant reduction of trunk & visceral fat (mean 15–20% reduction of visceral fat area) compared to placebo over 26 weeks. GH & IGF-1 levels normalize toward the upper normal range. Unlike Sermorelin or CJC-1295, Tesamorelin has a defined FDA-approved therapeutic indication, extensive clinical trial data, & is manufactured to pharmaceutical standards.
In research/performance use it is applied similarly to other GHRH analogs, stacked with a GHRP for synergistic GH pulsing, with the additional documented fat redistribution benefit as a primary endpoint.
Quick Start Guide
Reconstitute with 2.1 mL sterile water (or bacteriostatic water for multi-dose use) per 2 mg vial.
Inject 2 mg subcutaneously once daily into the abdomen.
Rotate injection sites. Inject in the fasted state when possible.
Research Indications
Visceral fat reduction (HIV lipodystrophy)
Most EffectiveFDA approved. Phase III trials: 15% reduction in visceral adipose tissue area at 26 weeks vs placebo.
GH/IGF-1 normalization
Most EffectiveNormalizes GH pulsatility & IGF-1 in GH-deficient states. Produces more physiological GH profiles than exogenous GH.
Body composition (general)
EffectiveReduces visceral fat & improves trunk fat:lean ratio. Similar body composition benefits to other GHRH analogs but with superior evidence base.
Research Protocols
Visceral fat reduction
26 weeks (clinical protocol)Dose
2 mg
Frequency
Once daily SubQ
Route
SubQ abdomen
FDA-approved dose & duration. Research users typically run 12–16 weeks.
Body composition with GH stack
12–16 weeksDose
2 mg Tesamorelin + 200 mcg Ipamorelin
Frequency
Tesamorelin daily; Ipamorelin pre-sleep
Route
SubQ abdomen
Peptide Interactions
Same GHRH/GHRP synergy as CJC-1295 combinations.
Both GHRH analogs; don't stack. Choose one.
Side Effects & Safety
Common
- Injection site reactions (erythema, induration)
- Arthralgia
- Water retention
- Peripheral edema
Uncommon
- Carpal tunnel (IGF-1 driven)
- Hyperglycemia
- Nausea
When to Stop
- Active malignancy
- Signs of allergic reaction
- Diabetics: monitor glucose
- Pregnancy
How to Reconstitute
Wipe stopper.
Add 2.1 mL BAC water slowly down inner vial wall.
Swirl gently — do not shake.
Refrigerate. Use within 28 days.
Dosing math: 2.1 mL water per 2 mg vial ≈ 952 mcg/mL. For the full 2 mg dose, inject the entire contents (≈2.1 mL). Many users prepare at 1 mL for a 2 mg/mL concentration to reduce injection volume.
Quality Indicators
Good — use as normal
- Clear, colorless solution
Acceptable
- Very faint tint
Discard immediately
- Persistent cloudiness
- Particulate
- Discoloration
What to Expect
Week 1–4
GH pulsatility restoring. Injection site reactions most common in early weeks.
Week 5–12
IGF-1 levels rise. Visceral fat reduction begins. Water retention may peak then normalize.
Week 13–26
Clinical trial endpoint. Visceral fat reduction continues at slower rate. Body composition changes consolidated.
Community Insights
Self-reported. Reflects user experience, not clinical outcomes.
Research References
Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism · 2010
Phase III RCT: 15.2% reduction in visceral adipose tissue area with 2 mg/day tesamorelin vs placebo at 26 weeks.
doi:10.1210/jc.2010-0248 →Verify what you have
Information on this page applies to pharmaceutical-grade peptides. Purity & identity of research-grade products vary. Certipep provides independent ESI-TOF-MS & HPLC analysis with a signed analytical report.
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