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growth · hormone

Tesamorelin

Also known as: Tesamorelin acetate, Egrifta, Egrifta SV, TH9507
FDA: FDA-approved (Egrifta/Egrifta SV) for reduction of excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy WADA: Prohibited at all times

Tesamorelin is a synthetic 44-amino-acid GHRH analog with an N-terminal trans-3-hexenoic acid modification that enhances metabolic stability and receptor binding compared to native GHRH. It is the only GHRH analog currently FDA-approved as a therapeutic (brand name Egrifta/Egrifta SV), indicated for reduction of excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy. Its clinical evidence base is stronger than most peptides in the growth-hormone category, with multiple randomized controlled trials demonstrating significant visceral adipose tissue reduction, hepatic fat reduction, and lean mass preservation. For educational purposes only. Not medical advice. Tesamorelin acts as a full agonist at the GHRH receptor (GHRHR)

This content is for educational and research purposes only. VialBase does not provide medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before using any peptide.

Molecular weight 5,135.85 Da
Half-life 26 minutes IV
CAS number —
Route Subcutaneous
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Mechanism

Modified GHRH(1-44) analog with N-terminal trans-3-hexenoic acid modification that increases stability and receptor affinity; stimulates pulsatile GH release from anterior pituitary via GHRHR/cAMP/PKA pathway

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Dosing

DOSE RANGE 1000–2000 mcg
FREQUENCY 1x daily
CYCLE LENGTH 26 weeks minimum (per Egrifta label); ongoing if responding

FDA-approved dose is 2 mg SC daily. Compounded versions may vary. Administer on empty stomach.

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Research summary

Study Type Year Key Finding
Recent Tesamorelin Research Research article 2026 Ongoing investigation of tesamorelin applications beyond HIV lipodystrophy
Body composition, hepatic fat, metabolic, and safety outcomes of Tesamorelin, a GHRH analogue, in HIV-associated lipodystrophy: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials Meta-analysis of RCTs 2026 5 RCTs included; tesamorelin vs placebo in HIV adults
Pharmacologic Treatments for the Preservation of Lean Body Mass During Weight Loss Narrative review 2026 Tesamorelin is a GHRH agonist being explored for muscle preservation during weight loss
Tesamorelin for Cognition in HIV-associated Neurocognitive Disorder — — —
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Stacking & interactions

GHRH + GHRP synergy for enhanced GH pulse

Alternative GHRH analog (lower cost option)

Dual approach to visceral fat and metabolic health

Metabolic optimization with mitochondrial support

Stacks containing Tesamorelin

Fasted Burner

Tesamorelin + Amlexanox + AOD-9604
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Sourcing

Current prices

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5mg

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What bloodwork do I need?

Reference ranges are general guidelines. Consult your physician for interpretation.

PRE-CYCLE
  • IGF-1
  • Fasting Glucose
  • Fasting Insulin
  • CMP
  • CBC
  • Lipid Panel
DURING CYCLE
  • IGF-1
  • Fasting Glucose
  • Fasting Insulin
  • Lipid Panel
POST-CYCLE
  • IGF-1
  • Fasting Glucose
  • Lipid Panel
Safety & Regulatory Status
FDA STATUS FDA-approved (Egrifta/Egrifta SV) for reduction of excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy
WADA STATUS Prohibited at all times (S2 - Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors)

Regulatory status for Tesamorelin may change. Verify current status with your jurisdiction before use. This is not legal or medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tesamorelin?
Tesamorelin is a growth hormone compound. Modified GHRH(1-44) analog with N-terminal trans-3-hexenoic acid modification that increases stability and receptor affinity; stimulates pulsatile GH release from anterior pituitary via GHRHR/cAMP/PKA pathway.
How does Tesamorelin work?
Tesamorelin acts as a full agonist at the GHRH receptor (GHRHR) on anterior pituitary somatotrophs: 1.
How is Tesamorelin dosed?
Pre-mixed solution, 2 mg/vial, ready to inject; Store refrigerated at 2-8C; Single-use vials; Typical vial: 2 mg lyophili. These figures reflect commonly cited research protocols, not medical advice — consult a clinician.
Is Tesamorelin FDA-approved?
FDA: Approved (Egrifta, 2010; Egrifta SV reformulation, 2019) for reduction of excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy. Marketed by Theratechnologies; 503A/503B: Available via compounding pharmacies for off-label use under prescriber supervision; WADA: Prohibited at all times under S2 (Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances, and Mimetics); DEA: Not a controlled substance; International: Approved in the US; Health Canada approval for HIV lipodystrophy.
What does the research on Tesamorelin show?
Meta-analysis of 5 RCTs (PMID: 41545261): Tesamorelin significantly reduced visceral adipose tissue (MD = -27. 71 cm2, P < 0. 001), trunk fat (-1.

References

  1. Various. Recent Tesamorelin Research. Various (2026). PMID: 41476424
  2. Badran AS, Helal A, Shata KS, Ayesh H. Body composition, hepatic fat, metabolic, and safety outcomes of Tesamorelin, a GHRH analogue, in HIV-associated lipodystrophy: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Obesity Research & Clinical Practice (2026). PMID: 41545261
  3. Multiple authors. Pharmacologic Treatments for the Preservation of Lean Body Mass During Weight Loss. Journal of Clinical Medicine (2026). PMID: 41598480
  4. Tesamorelin for Cognition in HIV-associated Neurocognitive Disorder.