Tesamorelin
Also known as: Egrifta
Molecular Identifiers
Molecular Formula
C221H366N72O67S
CAS Number
218949-48-5
PubChem CID
16137828Molecular Weight
~5135.9 Da
Overview
GHRH analog focused on visceral fat reduction. Studies demonstrate significant abdominal fat reduction. Sustained GH elevation with daily administration.
FDA-approved as Egrifta (2010) for reduction of excess abdominal fat (lipodystrophy) in HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy.
Tesamorelin is a modified GHRH analog that stimulates pulsatile GH secretion and raises IGF-1 levels. Its most documented clinical effect is the selective reduction of visceral abdominal fat — without equivalent loss of subcutaneous fat — in 12 to 24 week protocols with daily subcutaneous administration. This profile makes it interesting in populations with increased visceral adiposity.
Unlike most GH secretagogues, Tesamorelin has regulatory approval: it was cleared by the FDA in 2010 under the brand name Egrifta, specifically to reduce excess abdominal fat in HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy with lipodystrophy. Outside that indication, it is prescribed off-label for visceral fat management in adults, typically through compounding pharmacies.
Among GHRH analogs, tesamorelin is the only one with regulatory approval and has the most robust clinical evidence for visceral fat, with daily dosing — a profile distinct from sermorelin's native sequence (shorter and discontinued), from Mod GRF 1-29 (CJC-1295 without DAC, multiple daily doses), and from CJC-1295 with DAC (weekly injection, GH plateau). It acts on the GHRH receptor and is therefore also combined with GHRPs (ipamorelin, GHRP-2, GHRP-6, hexarelin) or contrasted with oral MK-677, the long-acting secretagogue on the ghrelin pathway.
YADAIFTNSYRKVLGQLSARKLLQDIMSRQQGESNQERGARARL Tyr-Ala-Asp-Ala-Ile-Phe-Thr-Asn-Ser-Tyr-Arg-Lys-Val-Leu-Gly-Gln-Leu-Ser-Ala-Arg-Lys-Leu-Leu-Gln-Asp-Ile-Met-Ser-Arg-Gln-Gln-Gly-Glu-Ser-Asn-Gln-Glu-Arg-Gly-Ala-Arg-Ala-Arg-Leu Half-life
~26-38 minutes
Administration Route
Subcutaneous
Category
GH Secretagogues
Mechanism of Action
- Modified GHRH analog
- Potent and sustained stimulation of GH secretion
- Selective visceral fat reduction
- IGF-1 elevation
Dosage Protocol
Data compiled from the literature. This does not constitute medical advice.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dose | 1-2 mg per injection |
| Frequency | Once daily |
| Timing | Morning, fasting |
| Duration | 12-24 weeks |
Reported Side Effects
Adverse effects described in the literature. Severity and frequency vary between individuals.
- Injection site reactions
- Arthralgia
- Peripheral edema
- Myalgia
- Pruritus
Product Properties
| Purity | >99% |
| Appearance | White lyophilized powder |
| Solubility | Soluble in water and bacteriostatic water |
| Source | Solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) |
| Storage | Lyophilized: -20°C for up to 2 years, 2-8°C for up to 6 months. Reconstituted: 2-8°C for up to 4 weeks. Protect from light and moisture. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. |
Presentations & Preparation
Vials of Tesamorelin found in the research market:
Reconstitution
- Diluent: Bacteriostatic water
- Volume: 2 ml per 2 mg vial
- Slowly inject the diluent against the vial wall
- Gently swirl until fully dissolved
- Never shake
Storage
- Lyophilized: Refrigerated 2-8°C
- Reconstituted: Refrigerated 2-8°C (up to 30 days)
- Protect from direct light
- Do not freeze after reconstitution
Scientific Studies
Published studies on Tesamorelin.
Tesamorelin reduces visceral fat and improves metabolic parameters in HIV-infected patients
Stanley TL, Grinspoon SK
Effects of tesamorelin on visceral fat in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation
Falutz J, Allas S, Blot K, et al.
Related Peptides
CJC-1295 with DAC
1-2 mg per week · Once per week
CJC-1295 sem DAC
100-200 mcg per injection · 2-3 times daily
GHRP-2
100-300 mcg per injection · 2-3 times per day
GHRP-6
100-300 mcg per injection · 2-3 times per day
Hexarelin
200-300 mcg per injection · 2-3 times per day
Ipamorelin
200-300 mcg per injection · 2-3 times daily