Peptide Encyclopedia / Tesamorelin
EncyclopediaTesamorelin is a synthetic, degradation-resistant analog of growth-hormone-releasing hormone that binds pituitary GHRH receptors to raise the body's own growth hormone. Sold as Egrifta, it holds FDA approval from 2010 for reducing excess abdominal fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy, the only approved treatment for that use and not for weight loss. Below you'll find reported dosing, reconstitution, safety, and legal status. Educational only, not medical advice.
| Also known as | Egrifta, Egrifta SV, TH9507 |
| Half-life | 26-38 minutes (healthy subjects ~26 |
| Regulatory status | FDA-approved. |
FDA-approved. Tesamorelin (Egrifta; Egrifta SV) was approved by the U.S. FDA in 2010 (NDA 22-505) for the reduction of excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy. It is the only FDA-approved treatment for this indication. Labeling explicitly states it is not indicated for weight-loss management and that long-term cardiovascular safety has not been established.
Tesamorelin is a synthetic analog of human growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH 1-44) with a trans-3-hexenoic acid group at the N-terminus that confers resistance to enzymatic degradation. It binds GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs to stimulate synthesis and pulsatile release of endogenous growth hormone, which in turn raises IGF-1 and promotes lipolysis, preferentially reducing visceral adipose tissue. Pharmacokinetics (half-life Approximately 26-38 minutes (healthy subjects ~26 min; HIV-infected patients ~38 min)): Tesamorelin has a short elimination half-life on the order of tens of minutes (about 26 minutes in healthy subjects and approximately 38 minutes in HIV-infected patients per FDA clinical pharmacology data), consistent with once-daily subcutaneous administration. It acts indirectly by stimulating endogenous, pulsatile GH release rather than supplying exogenous growth hormone.
Human trial evidence supports the approved HIV-lipodystrophy indication. The pivotal phase 3 trial (Falutz et al., NEJM 2007, n=412) showed tesamorelin 2 mg daily reduced visceral adipose tissue by ~15.2% versus a ~5% increase with placebo over 26 weeks, with improved triglycerides and no significant adverse effect on glucose. A pooled analysis of two phase 3 trials (n=806) confirmed efficacy and characterized safety, including transient effects on glucose tolerance. Reported use: Per FDA labeling, the reported dose is 2 mg administered once daily by subcutaneous injection (reconstituted from lyophilized powder) into the abdomen, rotating injection sites. Labeling indicates IGF-1 should be monitored and that discontinuation should be considered if treatment goals are not met after a period of therapy (commonly evaluated around 6 months in trials). This describes labeled dosing and is not medical advice or a prescription.
Reported adverse reactions include injection-site reactions, arthralgia, myalgia, peripheral edema, and effects related to fluid retention and increased GH/IGF-1. Because tesamorelin raises IGF-1, labeling warns about potential glucose intolerance/diabetes, fluid retention, and the theoretical concern of stimulating neoplasm growth. Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported..
Disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis due to hypophysectomy, hypopituitarism, pituitary tumor/surgery, head irradiation, or head trauma, Active malignancy (must be excluded before starting; any active neoplasm is a contraindication), Pregnancy, Known hypersensitivity to tesamorelin or mannitol.
May alter clearance of cytochrome P450-metabolized drugs via growth hormone effects; use caution with sensitive CYP substrates, May affect glucose control; monitor in patients on antidiabetic therapy, Concomitant systemic glucocorticoids may require dose adjustment due to GH effects on cortisol metabolism
Log every dose and injection site, get the reconstitution and units math automatically, follow your cycle, and record how you feel, then export a provider report. Tesamorelin tracker, free to start.
PepWise is an informational and educational tracking tool, not medical advice and not a medical device. Tesamorelin may be experimental, restricted, or prescription-only; many research peptides are not FDA-approved. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting, changing, or stopping any protocol. Operated by STC Consulting, Inc.
