Tesamorelin Overview
Mechanism of Action
Tesamorelin is a synthetic GHRH analog consisting of all 44 amino acids of human GHRH with an added trans-3-hexenoic acid group that increases stability. It is the only FDA-approved GHRH analog (Egrifta®), specifically indicated for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. It stimulates the pituitary to produce and release growth hormone through natural feedback mechanisms.
26–38 minutes
Timing
Morning on empty stomach, or before bed
Injection Site
Subcutaneous, abdomen
Food
Empty stomach preferred; wait 30 minutes before eating
Common Stacks
- Can be used as standalone GHRH therapy
- Ipamorelin — GHRP pairing (some practitioners)
Tesamorelin Dosing Protocol
Standard Protocol
12–26 weeks1–2 mg daily
FDA-approved dose is 2 mg/day for lipodystrophy. Research protocols often use 1 mg.
Tesamorelin Expected Timeline
Week 1–4
IGF-1 levels increase; initial metabolic changes
Week 4–12
Measurable reduction in visceral adipose tissue
Week 12–26
Significant visceral fat reduction; improved triglycerides and cholesterol ratios
Tesamorelin Side Effects
Injection site reactions
Joint pain
Peripheral edema
Paresthesias (tingling)
Tesamorelin Research Studies
Metabolic effects of a growth hormone-releasing factor in patients with HIV
Falutz J, Allas S, Blot K, et al. — N Engl J Med (2007)
Landmark NEJM trial showing tesamorelin reduced visceral fat by 15.2% versus placebo over 26 weeks in HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
PubMed: 17898098Effect of tesamorelin on visceral fat and liver fat in HIV-infected patients
Stanley TL, Feldpausch MN, Oh J, et al. — JAMA (2014)
JAMA study demonstrating tesamorelin reduced both visceral fat and hepatic fat while improving liver fibrosis markers.
PubMed: 25117129Effects of tesamorelin on cognition in adults with HIV
Stanley TL, Borges A, et al. — J Clin Endocrinol Metab (2022)
Showed tesamorelin improved cognitive function, particularly executive function and verbal memory, suggesting neuroprotective GH-mediated effects.
PubMed: 35771677Tesamorelin FAQ
Is tesamorelin FDA-approved?
Yes. Tesamorelin (brand name Egrifta®) is FDA-approved specifically for reduction of excess abdominal fat in HIV-positive patients with lipodystrophy. Off-label research explores its use for visceral fat reduction and cognitive benefits.
How does tesamorelin compare to CJC-1295?
Both are GHRH analogs, but tesamorelin contains the full 44-amino-acid GHRH sequence (plus a stabilizing group), while CJC-1295 is a shorter modified analog. Tesamorelin has more clinical trial data and FDA approval. CJC-1295 is more commonly used in peptide research protocols.