Tesamorelin
GHRH analog (stabilized long-acting GHRH(1-44) analog)
A synthetic GHRH analog studied in growth-hormone and metabolic research.
Also referenced as: TH9507
Overview
Tesamorelin is a synthetic analog of human growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH 1-44) with an N-terminal trans-3-hexenoyl modification that improves stability. It is marketed as Egrifta.
At a glance
What Tesamorelin does
Tesamorelin is a stabilized GHRH analog — native GHRH(1-44) with an N-terminal trans-3-hexenoyl modification that protects it from degradation — and it is the standout of this catalog because it is genuinely FDA-approved. It carries the strongest human clinical evidence of any compound here. Mechanistically it works like the other GHRH analogs: it binds pituitary GHRH receptors to stimulate the synthesis and pulsatile release of endogenous growth hormone, which in turn raises IGF-1, all while remaining subject to normal somatostatin/IGF-1 feedback.
Its approved indication is the reduction of excess visceral (intra-abdominal) fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. This works because GH preferentially mobilizes visceral adipose tissue — which has a higher density of GH receptors and a higher basal lipolytic rate than subcutaneous fat — so the GHRH-driven GH pulse lands disproportionately on the abdominal fat depot. In large randomized placebo-controlled trials, daily tesamorelin reduced visceral adipose tissue by roughly 15% over about 26 weeks (versus an increase on placebo), a robust and reproducible human result. It also modestly improves lipid profiles (lowering triglycerides). A newer weekly-reconstitution formulation (F8, EGRIFTA WR) has since been approved.
Beyond its label, tesamorelin has been studied for cognitive effects and for liver fat/NAFLD, with promising but not definitively established results. Common considerations include the expected GH-related effects on glucose metabolism and fluid balance.
Effects reported in research
- Reduced visceral (intra-abdominal) adipose tissue by ~15% over ~26 weeks in HIV-lipodystrophy patients (large randomized placebo-controlled human trials).
- Stimulated endogenous GH release via GHRH-receptor agonism, raising IGF-1 (human).
- Preferentially mobilized visceral over subcutaneous fat because VAT has higher GH-receptor density and lipolytic rate.
- Improved lipid profile — notably lowered triglycerides — in clinical trials.
- FDA-approved for excess visceral abdominal fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy (the only approved indication of this kind).
- Reduced liver fat in NAFLD/HIV studies (investigational finding).
- Studied for improvements in cognition/verbal memory in older adults (promising but not definitively established).
- Can raise blood glucose / affect insulin sensitivity and cause fluid retention, consistent with GH-axis stimulation (human).
Effects listed reflect findings reported in the research literature — many in animal or in-vitro models. Listing an effect is not a claim of efficacy or a therapeutic indication in humans.
Mechanism of action
Tesamorelin is an agonist of the GHRH receptor on anterior-pituitary somatotrophs, stimulating endogenous GH secretion and raising IGF-1. The N-terminal hexenoyl group protects it from rapid DPP-4 degradation, improving stability relative to native GHRH. By acting upstream, it stimulates physiologic GH release subject to normal feedback.
Mechanistic description reflects published research-literature understanding. Much peptide research is preclinical (in-vitro or animal-model); mechanism in humans may differ and is not established for many compounds.
What it's studied for
Research contexts in which Tesamorelin appears in the literature. Listing a research area is not a claim of efficacy or a therapeutic indication.
Key characteristics
- GHRH-receptor agonist based on GHRH(1-44) with an N-terminal hexenoyl modification
- The only peptide in this list with FDA approval (Egrifta) for a specific indication
- Approved specifically to reduce visceral adipose tissue in HIV-associated lipodystrophy
- Stabilized against DPP-4 degradation vs native GHRH
- Raises IGF-1; monitoring of IGF-1 is part of its clinical use
Reported research dosing reference only
Educational reference, not dosing guidance. The figures below summarize amounts reported in published research and research-community protocols, provided for educational and research context only. They are not medical advice, not a recommendation, and not instructions for human use. Tesamorelin is a research compound.
The FDA-approved reference dose for tesamorelin is 2 mg subcutaneously once daily, as documented in labeling and Phase III trials. These are reference figures for research context only, not dosing guidance for humans.
- FDA-labeled reference: 2 mg subcutaneously once daily
- Phase III trials referenced 2 mg/day over 26 weeks
Short plasma half-life (Tmax ~0.15 h); despite full GHRH-44 backbone it is dosed daily. Reference figures only, not human dosing guidance.
How it compares
Tesamorelin is a stabilized GHRH(1-44) analog and, uniquely in this set, an FDA-approved medicine, distinguishing it from research-only GHRH analogs like sermorelin and CJC-1295.
Commonly studied alongside
Compounds frequently researched together with Tesamorelin in the literature. Cross-referenced for research context — not a usage or combination recommendation.
Compare and calculate
Side-by-side pages for the pairings the literature already documents for Tesamorelin, plus the unit-conversion reference for a reconstituted vial. Factual comparisons of documented characteristics — not a recommendation to combine or use any compound.
Tesamorelin reconstitution calculator → Concentration, volume per measured amount and syringe units for a stated vial mass and diluent volume. A unit-conversion reference, not a dosing recommendation.
Handling & Stability
Lyophilized peptides are stored cold, protected from light, and reconstituted only at the time of intended in-vitro work.
- Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
- Verify supplier lot and Certificate of Analysis
- Follow institutional lab-safety protocols
Analytical & COA Concepts
Reputable research suppliers publish a third-party Certificate of Analysis per batch. Key analytical concepts referenced in COAs include:
Category Context
Tesamorelin sits in the Growth & GH-Axis area of the PeptiDex library.
- Entry type: Research compound reference
- Growth & GH-Axis category hub →
- Browse the full library →
- Glossary of terms →
Where researchers source Tesamorelin
For researchers studying Tesamorelin, third-party suppliers such as Practically Natty Peptides offer research-grade material, third-party tests every batch and provides Certificates of Analysis on request, and ship from the US.
View research-supplier listing →
Outbound link to a third-party research supplier. Inclusion does not constitute endorsement; all editorial content is developed independently.
Frequently asked questions
What is tesamorelin?
Tesamorelin is a synthetic stabilized analog of the full 44-amino-acid human growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). A trans-3-hexenoic acid group is attached to the N-terminus to resist enzymatic degradation, and it acts on the GHRH receptor to stimulate endogenous GH secretion.
Is tesamorelin an FDA-approved drug?
Yes. Tesamorelin (brand name Egrifta) is FDA-approved for the reduction of excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy. It is one of the few GHRH analogs to reach full FDA approval; an updated F8/WR formulation was approved in 2025.
How does tesamorelin differ from sermorelin and CJC-1295?
Sermorelin and CJC-1295 are based on the shorter GHRH(1-29) fragment, whereas tesamorelin is a stabilized analog of the full 44-amino-acid GHRH. Its N-terminal modification gives it greater stability than sermorelin while remaining a short-acting daily-dosed GHRH analog.
What is tesamorelin studied for?
Beyond its approved use in HIV-associated lipodystrophy (reduction of visceral adipose tissue), tesamorelin has been researched in models of visceral fat reduction and liver fat, and is studied for its effects on GH/IGF-1 signaling. It is described in research terms, not as a treatment for any other condition.
What is the approved dosing reference for tesamorelin?
The FDA-labeled dose is 2 mg subcutaneously once daily. Phase III trials referenced this dose over 26 weeks; this is documented labeling information provided for research context, not personal dosing guidance.
Answers are educational summaries of research-literature context and do not constitute medical advice. See the Research Library, COA guide, and Storage & Handling guide for more.
References
Primary literature indexed in PubMed for Tesamorelin. Listing a study records that it exists and is indexed — it is not a claim of efficacy, a therapeutic indication, or an endorsement of its conclusions. Much of this literature is preclinical (in-vitro or animal-model).
- Effects of tesamorelin (TH9507), a growth hormone-releasing factor analog, in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients with excess abdominal fat: a pooled analysis of two multicenter, double-blind placebo-controlled phase 3 trials with safety extension data
- Long-term safety and effects of tesamorelin, a growth hormone-releasing factor analogue, in HIV patients with abdominal fat accumulation
- Tesamorelin: a review of its use in the management of HIV-associated lipodystrophy
Each reference was checked against its PubMed record on 2026-07-28: the PMID resolves and the title, journal and year match. Where no indexed literature exists for a compound, PeptiDex says so rather than substituting a citation about a different molecule. See the editorial policy.