Tesamorelin
Also known as: Egrifta, TH9507, GHRH analog
While tesamorelin (Egrifta) is FDA-approved for HIV lipodystrophy, use outside this indication is off-label. Research vials are not pharmaceutical grade. For informational purposes only.
Overview
Tesamorelin is an FDA-approved synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It is the only GHRH peptide with an approved clinical indication — reduction of excess visceral adipose tissue in HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Researchers also study it for body composition and cognitive effects.
Research Summary
Tesamorelin stimulates pulsatile GH release from the pituitary, leading to downstream IGF-1 elevation. FDA-approved trials showed significant visceral fat reduction. Separate studies suggest potential cognitive benefits in older adults including improved executive function and verbal memory, possibly linked to IGF-1's neuroprotective effects.
Dosing Range
low
1mg
moderate
2mg
high
2mg
Units: mg · Frequency: once daily (evening)
Dosing ranges are aggregated from preclinical research and community protocols. Not medical dosing guidance.
Administration Routes
Reconstitution Notes
Reconstitute with 0.5mL of supplied sterile water. Do not use bacteriostatic water — Egrifta is formulated for single-use. Research vials: reconstitute with 1–2mL BAC water.Step-by-step reconstitution guide →
Supplies you'll need
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Reported Side Effects
- Injection site reactions (erythema, pruritus)
- Peripheral edema
- Arthralgia (joint pain)
- Myalgia
- Elevated glucose (monitor in pre-diabetics)
Research Papers
2 peer-reviewed sourcesCommunity Experiences
Aggregated from public forums. Anecdotal — not clinical evidence.
Overview
Tesamorelin is unique among GHRH peptides — it is the only one with an FDA-approved indication (Egrifta, approved 2010). This means more robust clinical data exists for tesamorelin than for any other growth hormone secretagogue.
Mechanism
As a GHRH analog, tesamorelin binds to pituitary GHRH receptors and stimulates pulsatile GH release. Unlike exogenous GH, this preserves the natural pulsatile pattern and feedback loops, with lower risk of pituitary desensitization.
Key Research Areas
- Visceral fat: Multiple Phase 3 trials confirmed significant VAT reduction in HIV+ patients
- Cognition: A 20-week RCT (Friedman et al., 2013) showed improved executive function in cognitively normal older adults
- Body composition: Lean mass preservation with visceral fat reduction
vs. CJC-1295
Tesamorelin has the advantage of real clinical data. CJC-1295 has a longer half-life but no equivalent clinical trial backing. Many researchers prefer tesamorelin for its validated mechanism and predictable dosing.
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