Tesamorelin
Egrifta
N-terminally stabilized GHRH analog approved to reduce excess visceral fat in HIV lipodystrophy.
Key takeaways
- Stabilized GHRH analog; FDA-approved for HIV-associated visceral fat (Egrifta).
- Labeled dose is 2 mg SubQ once daily; IGF-1 rises measurably within weeks.
- Phase 3 RCTs showed real visceral fat reduction that reverses after stopping.
- Raises GH/IGF-1, so glucose tolerance needs monitoring; contraindicated in active malignancy.
Overview
What it is
Tesamorelin (Egrifta) is a stabilized GHRH analog FDA-approved to reduce excess visceral abdominal fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy. It stimulates pulsatile endogenous GH release, which shifts body composition away from visceral fat accumulation.
Pharmacokinetics
Half-life is short, roughly 30 minutes, with around 50% subcutaneous bioavailability, which drives the labeled once-daily subcutaneous dosing. The GH pulses each injection triggers raise IGF-1 measurably within weeks.
What the evidence says
Tesamorelin carries genuine phase 3 evidence: randomized trials showed significant visceral fat reduction in the target population, with fat returning after discontinuation. Injection-site reactions and joint pain are the common effects. Because it raises GH and IGF-1, glucose intolerance is a real monitoring point, and it's contraindicated in active malignancy.
Reported dosing protocols
Protocols reported in research literature and clinic/community use — informational context, not a dosing recommendation.
| Use case | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HIV lipodystrophy (FDA label) | 2 mg | SubQ | Once daily | Ongoing |
Pharmacokinetic summary
- Model tier
- Simple (t½ + F, Tmax estimated)
- Half-life
- 29 min
- Bioavailability
- 50%
- Typical dose
- 1–2 mg
Frequently asked questions
Is tesamorelin the same as taking HGH?
No. Tesamorelin stimulates your own pituitary to release GH in pulses, preserving some feedback control, while HGH replaces the hormone directly. The downstream effect on IGF-1 and visceral fat overlaps, but the regulation differs.
Why is tesamorelin dosed daily if GHRH is short-acting?
The peptide itself clears in about 30 minutes, but each injection triggers a GH pulse whose downstream effects, including IGF-1 production, last far longer. Daily dosing maintains the cumulative effect, and trials show visceral fat returns within months of stopping.
What are the main risks of tesamorelin?
Injection-site reactions and joint pain are most common. Because it raises GH and IGF-1, glucose intolerance and fluid retention need monitoring, and the label contraindicates it in active malignancy and pregnancy. Off-label physique use lacks any safety data.
References
- FDA Egrifta label (2010) — Stabilized GHRH analog; FDA-approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
- FDA Egrifta label (2010) — Half-life ~26–38 min; 2 mg once-daily SubQ; pivotal visceral-fat trial data.
Related compounds
CJC-1295 with DAC
Long-acting GHRH analog with a drug-affinity complex that extends half-life to ~6–8 days; weekly dosing.
CJC-1295 without DAC (Modified GRF 1-29)
Short-acting GHRH analog (~30 min half-life) usually paired with a GHRP for pulsatile GH release.
Sermorelin
Bioidentical GHRH fragment used diagnostically and off-label to stimulate endogenous growth hormone.
Protocols featuring Tesamorelin
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