GrowthMetabolic

Tesamorelin

Modified GHRH analogue · Trans-3-hexenoic acid conjugate · 44 amino acids

FDA · APPROVED (EGRIFTA)

Half-life

~26 minutes

Very short

minsdays

Route

SubQ injection

Evidence

Approved therapeutic

Risk

Standard

Overview

Known for

GHRH analogue. FDA-approved specifically to reduce visceral (abdominal) fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Targets belly fat specifically. Also improves cognitive function in some studies.

Mechanism

Modified GHRH analog — stimulates pulsatile GH release. FDA-approved specifically for HIV-associated lipodystrophy (visceral fat reduction).

Key facts

Format
Lyophilized powder
Mechanism targets
Classification
Authoritative
Supply & nature
SecretagogueSecretagogue
FDA category
Approved (Egrifta)

Evidence & standing

Evidence base
Approved therapeutic
Risk level
Standard
Best studies
4 references
  • Falutz et al. (2007) NEJM 357:2359-70 — HIV lipodystrophy visceral fat reduction
  • FDA Approved: Egrifta (2010) for HIV-associated lipodystrophy
  • Only FDA-approved GHRH analog currently on market
  • ClinicalTrials.gov: Multiple Phase 3 completed

Dosage & protocol

Typical dose
1-2mg
Research range
1–2 mg
Cycle
Daily for 6 months (then reassess)
Onset
21 days first effects
Full effect
133 days
Half-life
~26min
~26 minutes (SubQ) | ~38 minutes (IV)
Protocol

1-2mg daily SubQ. FDA dosing is 2mg/day.

Time to effects

EARLY: 2-4 weeks

FULL: 12-26 weeks

Week 2-4: GH levels increase measurably on blood work (IGF-1).

Week 4-8: Subtle reduction in visceral fat. May notice waistline changes.

Week 12-26: Significant visceral fat reduction. Clinical trials showed meaningful reduction in trunk fat at 26 weeks. Cognitive improvements reported in some studies.

Specifically targets belly fat — don't expect overall weight loss like GLP-1 agonists. Minimum commitment: 12 weeks.

Recommended vial
  • 10mg or 20mg vials

At 2mg/day (FDA dose), 5mg = 2.5 days, 10mg = 5 days ✓, 20mg = 10 days ✓. 2mg = 1 day (impractical). Higher mg vials needed due to high daily dose.

Reference figures only

Dosing reflects published laboratory protocols and is not guidance for use in any living subject.

Safety

Reversibility
Fully Reversible
Side effects

Injection site reactions (20-30%), joint pain (13%), pruritus (7%), peripheral edema, hyperglycaemia in pre-diabetic patients

Interactions

Insulin/anti-diabetic drugs (may antagonize glucose control), cortisone, somatostatin analogs

Do not combine
CJC-1295 DACCJC-1295 DAC CJC-1295 NO DACCJC-1295 NO DAC CJC-1295 NO DAC 5mg + Ipamorelin 5mg (Blend)CJC-1295 NO DAC 5mg + Ipamorelin 5mg (Blend) HGH 191 AA (97%)HGH 191 AA (97%) Sermorelin AcetateSermorelin Acetate

Handle with research caution

  • Do NOT combine with exogenous HGH
  • Do NOT combine with CJC-1295 or Sermorelin (all GHRH receptor agonists — pick one)

Storage & handling

Lyophilised
12–24 months
2–8°C
Reconstituted
4–6 weeks
2–8°C

Videos & talks

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