Tesamorelin

Overview

What it is, in plain language

Tesamorelin is a stabilised analogue of GHRH (growth-hormone releasing hormone), originally developed for HIV-associated lipodystrophy and approved by the FDA (Egrifta) for visceral-fat reduction. Among the GHRH compounds, it is the most clinically validated for targeting visceral adipose tissue specifically.

In research contexts it is studied for visceral-fat reduction, GH/IGF-1 elevation, cognitive function in aging, and metabolic-syndrome models. Effects on subcutaneous fat are modest — Tesamorelin is specifically a visceral-fat compound, not a general fat-loss tool.

Tesamorelin is the most clinically validated GHRH for visceral adipose tissue — and the literature uses extended cycles for a reason.

Mechanism

How it works

Binds the GHRH receptor in the pituitary, producing pulsatile GH release. Molecular stabilisation (an N-terminal trans-3-hexenoic acid group) extends half-life modestly compared to native GHRH, supporting once-daily dosing.

Research findings

What the literature shows

Multiple clinical trials in HIV-lipodystrophy populations have reported significant reductions in visceral adipose tissue at the 2 mg/day dose. Improvements in cognitive function in aging adults have been reported in smaller studies.

Effects on subcutaneous fat are modest — Tesamorelin is specifically a visceral-fat compound, not a general fat-loss tool. The 26-week trial protocol is the standard the literature is built on; shorter cycles routinely under-deliver on the primary outcome.

Cycle & Handling

Protocol reference

Common research-grade reference figures. Not medical advice — every protocol must be reviewed against the latest published literature and your study design.

Cycle guidance

Standard 12+ weeks on, 4 weeks off. The visceral-fat literature consistently uses extended cycles (26+ weeks in clinical trials) — shorter cycles under-deliver on the primary outcome. Annual ceiling: 1–2 extended cycles. Pairs with MOTS-c for parallel metabolic work; can be combined with Ipamorelin in some protocols.

Reconstitution

2 mL BAC → 10 mg/mL. Draw 0.1 mL = 1 mg; 0.2 mL = 2 mg.

Storage

Lyophilised vial: room temperature short-term, refrigerator long-term. Reconstituted: refrigerate; use within 28 days when reconstituted with bacteriostatic water.

FAQ