What are Tesamorelin and Ipamorelin?
The Tesamorelin / Ipamorelin blend is a combination of two peptides: tesamorelin, a stabilized growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) analog, and ipamorelin, a selective growth hormone secretagogue.
Tesamorelin is a stabilized GHRH analog approved for reducing excess visceral fat in individuals with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. It has demonstrated targeted fat-reducing effects without direct growth hormone replacement.
Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone secretagogue that works by mimicking a hormone named ghrelin. Ghrelin acts at the anterior pituitary to stimulate growth hormone release without significantly affecting other pituitary hormones. It has gained promise in the research setting for its targeted action and relatively favorable side effect profile.
How Does Tesamorelin / Ipamorelin Blend Work?
Tesamorelin and Ipamorelin both increase growth hormone release through distinct receptor pathways — GHRH and ghrelin receptors. When combined, they produce a synergistic amplification of growth hormone output that exceeds what either peptide achieves alone. Tesamorelin stimulates growth hormone release, which in turn increases fat breakdown, particularly visceral fat, which is the fat around inner organs such as the kidneys. This selective action reduces abdominal fat while preserving lean mass. Ipamorelin binds to ghrelin receptors in the pituitary gland (a gland found in the brain), triggering growth hormone release while minimizing effects on cortisol and prolactin.
What is Tesamorelin / Ipamorelin Blend Used for?
Potential research applications include:
- Reducing excess visceral fat
- Age-related growth hormone decline
- Improving sleep quality and recovery after workouts
- General metabolic health
- Muscle recovery
- Fat metabolism
Side Effects of Tesamorelin / Ipamorelin Blend
Side effects of tesamorelin include injection site reactions, fluid retention, and mild joint discomfort. Tesamorelin may increase blood sugar in some individuals.
Ipamorelin is generally well tolerated in research studies, with fewer reports of water retention or appetite stimulation compared to older growth hormone secretagogues. Long-term human data remains limited.
Tesamorelin / Ipamorelin Blend Dosing Protocol (for Research)
Research applications are for below the skin (subcutaneous) administration. Market blends combine tesamorelin and ipamorelin in a 10:3 ratio (for example a 10 mg / 3 mg vial). The schedule below follows the tesamorelin research protocol and is dosed by the blend total, taken at night.
| Phase | Dose & frequency |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1-2 | 0.65 mg nightly total (0.5 mg tesamorelin + 0.15 mg ipamorelin) |
| Weeks 3-4 | 1.3 mg nightly total (1 mg tesamorelin + 0.3 mg ipamorelin) |
| Weeks 5 and beyond | 2.6 mg nightly total (2 mg tesamorelin + 0.6 mg ipamorelin) |
Shown for education. A licensed clinician should set any actual dose. Compare protocols across peptides in the peptide dosage chart.
Common questions about Tesamorelin / Ipamorelin blend
What is Tesamorelin / Ipamorelin blend?
The Tesamorelin / Ipamorelin blend is a combination of two peptides: tesamorelin, a stabilized growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) analog, and ipamorelin, a selective growth hormone secretagogue. Tesamorelin is a stabilized GHRH analog approved for reducing excess visceral fat in individuals with HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
What is Tesamorelin / Ipamorelin blend used for?
Potential research applications include: Reducing excess visceral fat; Age-related growth hormone decline; Improving sleep quality and recovery after workouts; General metabolic health; Muscle recovery; Fat metabolism.
How does Tesamorelin / Ipamorelin blend work?
Tesamorelin and Ipamorelin both increase growth hormone release through distinct receptor pathways — GHRH and ghrelin receptors. When combined, they produce a synergistic amplification of growth hormone output that exceeds what either peptide achieves alone.
What are the side effects of Tesamorelin / Ipamorelin blend?
Side effects of tesamorelin include injection site reactions, fluid retention, and mild joint discomfort. Tesamorelin may increase blood sugar in some individuals.
What is the dosage of Tesamorelin / Ipamorelin blend?
One commonly referenced research protocol is: Weeks 1-2: 0.65 mg nightly total (0.5 mg tesamorelin + 0.15 mg ipamorelin); Weeks 3-4: 1.3 mg nightly total (1 mg tesamorelin + 0.3 mg ipamorelin); Weeks 5 and beyond: 2.6 mg nightly total (2 mg tesamorelin + 0.6 mg ipamorelin). Shown for education only; a licensed clinician should set any actual dose. See the dosing table.
How do you mix (reconstitute) Tesamorelin / Ipamorelin blend?
Wipe the vial tops with alcohol, add bacteriostatic water slowly so it runs down the inside of the glass, then roll the vial gently until the powder dissolves; don’t shake it. See the step-by-step guide with diagrams for the pen and syringe methods.
How much bacteriostatic water do you add to Tesamorelin / Ipamorelin blend?
There is no single correct amount. We recommend 2.1 mL: about 0.1 mL is lost during transfer, leaving roughly 2.0 mL of usable solution. You can add more or less (most peptide vials hold up to 3 mL); just enter the amount in the dose calculator. See the step-by-step mixing guide.
Is Tesamorelin / Ipamorelin blend FDA-approved?
No. Tesamorelin / Ipamorelin blend is not FDA-approved in the US (status as of November 2026).
References
- Falutz J, et al. Effects of tesamorelin, a growth hormone-releasing factor, in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation: a randomized placebo-controlled trial with a safety extension. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2010 Mar;53:311-22. doi: 10.1097/QAI.0b013e3181cbdaff. View source
- Adrian S, et al. The Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone Analogue, Tesamorelin, Decreases Muscle Fat and Increases Muscle Area in Adults with HIV. J Frailty Aging. 2019;8:154-159. doi: 10.14283/jfa.2018.45. View source
- Raun K, et al. Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. Eur J Endocrinol. 1998 Nov;139:552-61. doi: 10.1530/eje.0.1390552. View source
- Smith RG. Development of growth hormone secretagogues. Endocr Rev. 2005 May;26:346-60. doi: 10.1210/er.2004-0019. View source
- Fuh VL, et al. Growth hormone secretagogues: mechanism of action and use in aging. Growth Horm IGF Res. 1998 Feb;8:13-20. doi: 10.1016/s1096-6374(98)80317-1. View source