FDA-approvedGHRH analogue

Tesamorelin

Tesamorelin is a long-acting GHRH analog approved for reducing excess visceral fat in individuals with HIV-associated lipodystrophy.

Also known as Egrifta (brand name); "tesa"

US statusFDA-approved
ClassGHRH analogue
RouteSubcutaneous
References2 cited

What is Tesamorelin?

Tesamorelin is a long-acting 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.

How Does Tesamorelin Work?

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.

What is Tesamorelin Used for?

Tesamorelin is approved by the FDA for use in HIV-associated lipodystrophy, which describes an abnormal distribution of fat that occurs as a side effect of the medications taken by people with HIV.

Tesamorelin is being researched for potentially reducing visceral fat (the fat found around internal organs, such as the kidneys). Visceral fat is associated with ill health effects, such as cardiovascular disease.

Other research interests include:

  • Age-related growth hormone decline
  • Improving sleep quality and recovery after workouts
  • General metabolic health

Side Effects and Safety Considerations

Side effects include injection site reactions, fluid retention, and mild joint discomfort. Tesamorelin may increase blood sugar in some individuals.

Tesamorelin Dosing Protocol (for Research)

Research protocols for tesamorelin are varied. Below is one common protocol used in the research setting. Research applications are for below the skin (subcutaneous) administration.

PhaseDose & frequency
Weeks 1-20.5 mg every night
Weeks 3-41 mg every night
Weeks 5 and beyond2 mg every night

Shown for education. A licensed clinician should set any actual dose. Compare protocols across peptides in the peptide dosage chart.

Common questions about Tesamorelin

What is Tesamorelin?

Tesamorelin is a long-acting 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.

What is Tesamorelin used for?

Tesamorelin is approved by the FDA for use in HIV-associated lipodystrophy, which describes an abnormal distribution of fat that occurs as a side effect of the medications taken by people with HIV. Tesamorelin is being researched for potentially reducing visceral fat (the fat found around internal organs, such as the kidneys). Areas studied include: Age-related growth hormone decline; Improving sleep quality and recovery after workouts; General metabolic health.

How does Tesamorelin work?

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.

What are the side effects of Tesamorelin?

Side effects include injection site reactions, fluid retention, and mild joint discomfort. Tesamorelin may increase blood sugar in some individuals.

What is the dosage of Tesamorelin?

One commonly referenced research protocol is: Weeks 1-2: 0.5 mg every night; Weeks 3-4: 1 mg every night; Weeks 5 and beyond: 2 mg every night. Shown for education only; a licensed clinician should set any actual dose. See the dosing table.

How do you mix (reconstitute) Tesamorelin?

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?

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 FDA-approved?

Tesamorelin is FDA-approved in the US for specific indications (status as of October 2026).

References

  1. 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
  2. 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