What is Tesamorelin?
Tesamorelin (brand: Egrifta SV) is the only FDA-approved GHRH analog, indicated for reduction of excess visceral abdominal fat (lipodystrophy) in HIV-positive adults on antiretroviral therapy. Phase III clinical trials demonstrated significant visceral adipose tissue (VAT) reduction, improved triglyceride profiles, and increased IGF-1 at 2 mg daily dosing. Available by prescription through specialty pharmacies and telehealth.
Mechanism of Action
GHRH receptor (GHRHR) agonism stimulating pulsatile GH secretion; elevated IGF-1 drives preferential lipolysis of visceral adipose tissue; improved lipid profiles and insulin sensitivity
Target: GHRH receptor (GHRHR)
Educational reference — not medical advice. Educational research index only — not medical advice. Literature maturity is not a verdict on whether a compound works in people. Community reports are not evidence of efficacy.
Evidence at a glance
Derived · maturity-1.0Human efficacy is unproven unless an approved label or completed published efficacy program says otherwise. Counts reflect indexed literature volume/kind — never a verdict on effect.
Literature maturity
moderate 60/100
PubMed hits
104
CT.gov trials
25
Strong-human apps
1
Sample papers
8
Sample articles by era
- pre-20186
- 2018-20201
- 2021-20231
- 2024-20261
Application grades (curated)
- Human-grade apps1
- Animal / in-vitro0
- Mechanistic0
Does literature support studied applications?
Grades reflect cited literature posture — not a treatment recommendation. Community notes are never efficacy evidence.
| Application | Cited evidence | Grade | Community |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reduction of excess abdominal fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy | FDA-approved indication supported by clinical programs for visceral adipose reduction in the labeled population. | Strong human | Community reports vary; not evidence of efficacy. |
Pharmacology
Mechanism of action
- •GHRH receptor (GHRHR) agonism stimulating pulsatile GH secretion; elevated IGF-1 drives preferential lipolysis of visceral adipose tissue; improved lipid profiles and insulin sensitivity
- •Primary target framing: GHRH receptor (GHRHR)
Half-life
~26 minutes
Identity & chemistry
- CAS
- 218949-48-5
- PubChem
- CID 16137828
- Formula
- C221H366N72O67S
- Molar mass
- 5136 Da
- InChIKey
- QBEPNUQJQWDYKU-BMGKTWPMSA-N
Identity cross-checked with PubChem where available. Compass HTML used only as a bootstrap checklist — not republished as product copy.
Storage & stability
- Lyophilized
- 2–8°C; lyophilized typical shelf 12–18 months
- Reconstituted
- 2–8°C; in-use window often Immediate to 7 days (product-dependent) (product-dependent)
- Tell-tale degradation
- !Cloudiness, clumping, or particles after mixing
- !Discoloration versus the expected clear/colorless (or labeled) solution
- !Failed or incomplete reconstitution of lyophilized cake
Educational estimates. Prefer product labeling and peptide shelf-life tool.
Lab handling posture
Research / educational handling notes only. Not a substitute for an SDS.
- •Use PPE appropriate for peptide powder/solution handling
- •Avoid inhalation of lyophilized powder; handle spills per institutional policy
- •Do not present research materials as medicines
Sample indexed literature
- Tesamorelin.
· 2012 · PMID 31644039
- Tesamorelin.
Nature reviews. Drug discovery · 2011 · PMID 21283099
- Tesamorelin update.
BETA : bulletin of experimental treatments for AIDS : a publication of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation · 2010 · PMID 21591600
- Tesamorelin, a human growth hormone releasing factor analogue.
Expert opinion on investigational drugs · 2009 · PMID 19243281
- Tesamorelin: a growth hormone-releasing factor analogue for HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
The Annals of pharmacotherapy · 2012 · PMID 22298602
- Tesamorelin: a review of its use in the management of HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
Drugs · 2011 · PMID 21668043
Research Indications
Stimulates natural GH release through pituitary signaling pathways
Associated with increased lean mass and reduced body fat
Supports tissue repair and recovery from exercise or injury
Some protocols show improvements in slow-wave and restorative sleep
Research Protocols
These are commonly discussed research protocols — not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
| Goal | Dose | Frequency | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Dose | 100 mcg | Once daily | Subcutaneous injection |
| Standard Dose | 200 mcg | Twice daily | Subcutaneous injection |
| Maximum Dose | 300 mcg | 3x daily | Subcutaneous injection |
Peptide & Drug Interactions
Always consult your healthcare provider before combining with other compounds. Use our Interaction Checker for reference.
How to Reconstitute & Inject
Use bacteriostatic (BAC) water only. Avoid saline — may cause precipitation. Refrigerate and use within 28 days.
- 1
Remove Tesamorelin vial from refrigeration and allow to reach room temperature (15–20 minutes)
- 2
Clean vial top with alcohol swab and allow to air dry completely
- 3
Using a sterile syringe, draw the calculated volume of bacteriostatic water (BAC water)
- 4
Inject BAC water slowly down the side of the vial — do not aim directly at the powder
- 5
Gently swirl in circular motions — DO NOT shake vigorously as this degrades the peptide
- 6
Allow 2–3 minutes for full dissolution — solution should be clear and colorless
- 7
Draw calculated dose into an insulin syringe for subcutaneous injection
- 8
Inject into abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites to prevent lipodystrophy
- 9
Store reconstituted solution refrigerated (2–8°C) and use within 28 days
What to Expect
Week 1–2
Improved sleep quality may begin. Mild water retention possible initially.
Week 2–4
Deeper sleep, improved recovery. Appetite may increase slightly.
Week 4–8
Noticeable improvements in body composition, energy, and recovery speed.
Week 8–12
Skin quality improvements, reduced body fat, increased lean mass becoming visible.
Week 12+
Sustained improvements in body composition, strength, and overall vitality.
Side Effects & Safety
- Water retention and mild bloating, especially early in protocol
- Increased appetite (particularly with GHRP compounds)
- Flushing or warmth at injection site
- Tingling or numbness (carpal tunnel-like symptoms at higher doses)
- Fatigue or lethargy if dosed at suboptimal times
- Cortisol and prolactin elevation possible (especially GHRP-6)
- Rare: Elevated blood glucose — monitor if diabetic or pre-diabetic
FDA Status & Regulatory Info
Tesamorelin (brand: Egrifta SV) is the only FDA-approved GHRH analog, indicated for reduction of excess visceral abdominal fat (lipodystrophy) in HIV-positive adults on antiretroviral therapy. Phase III clinical trials demonstrated significant visceral adipose tissue (VAT) reduction, improved triglyceride profiles, and increased IGF-1 at 2 mg daily dosing. Available by prescription through specialty pharmacies and telehealth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Research References
External links for education only. We do not control third-party content.
Community-reported data
The information below reflects self-reported experiences from PeptIQ app users. It is not clinical evidence and should not replace professional medical advice.
Community Intelligence
What 114 users report
Overall experience
From check-in ratings — separate from side effects logged below. Side effects are logged separately from overall experience. A favorable check-in can still include nausea, fatigue, or injection-site reactions.
Favorable 3% · Mixed 97% · Unfavorable overall 0%
Most reported benefits
Benefits users selected when logging a favorable or mixed check-in.
Most logged side effects
Side effects are logged separately from overall experience. A favorable check-in can still include nausea, fatigue, or injection-site reactions.
Self-reported dose per injection
Median bucket: 1–2 mg · Most common: 1–2 mg
Reports span 0 to ≥ 5 mg (open-ended top bucket)
Anonymized self-reports from PeptIQ users — not prescribing guidance. Buckets group similar logged amounts; open-ended top buckets mean “at least” that dose.
Commonly stacked with
How repeat users are trending
Among repeat reporters, 88% said they felt similar to their last entry, 12% more positive, and 0% more negative.
Overall, repeat reporters leaned more positive than their previous entry.
Median gap between entries: 46 days · Based on 41 repeat reporters
Share Your Experience
Rate Tesamorelin in the PeptIQ app and help the community make informed decisions.
Educational information only
This page is for educational reference. It is not medical or legal advice. PeptIQ does not sell peptides or list vendors. Consult the FDA and a licensed healthcare professional for current regulations and individualized guidance.