PERFORMANCE · Injectable
Tesamorelin.
FDA-studied GH releasing factor
How it works
Class & mechanism.
In short
Tesamorelin is a synthetic growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analogue that prompts the pituitary to release GH through the body's own natural pathway. Its primary, FDA-approved use is reducing visceral fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy, backed by two pivotal Phase III trials. Off-label use for general fat loss or longevity purposes is not FDA-approved and requires clinical supervision.
Class
GHRH Analogue (FDA-Approved)
Mechanism
Tesamorelin is a synthetic stabilized analogue of endogenous growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) that binds with high affinity to GHRH receptors in the anterior pituitary, stimulating endogenous GH secretion in a pulsatile, physiological pattern. The resulting GH elevation drives hepatic production of IGF-1, which promotes lipolysis — the enzymatic breakdown of stored triglycerides — particularly in visceral adipose tissue (VAT). Crucially, tesamorelin works through the body's natural pituitary feedback axis rather than bypassing it, preserving somatostatin-mediated regulation and avoiding the receptor-level disruption associated with exogenous HGH injections.
Personalized Peptides provides DNA-driven peptide recommendations — we are not a compounding pharmacy, peptide synthesis company, or clinical provider.
Did you know
Tesamorelin is the only peptide with FDA approval specifically for reducing visceral fat — the type of abdominal fat most strongly linked to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and premature death — making it the most clinically credentialed GHRH analogue in existence.
Half-life
0.5 h
Bioavailability
4%
Tmax
0.15 h
Cmax
2900 pg/mL
Route
SC
Molecular weight
5136 Da
Pharmacokinetic data shown for educational context. Individual response varies. Not a substitute for clinical dosing guidance.
Benefits
What it does.
Clinically proven ~15–20% reduction in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) over 26 weeks
Significant reductions in triglycerides and improved cholesterol ratios
Lean body mass preservation — fat burns while muscle is protected
Potential cognitive benefits via IGF-1-mediated neuroprotection, with exploratory data in NAFLD and metabolic syndrome
The science
Peer-reviewed findings.
Research supporting this compound's mechanisms and safety profile.
What this does not mean
Tesamorelin is FDA-approved as Egrifta for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Compounded and off-label uses are not FDA-approved and are not evaluated or endorsed by Personalized Peptides. The information on this page is educational and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This page does not recommend, endorse, or prescribe any compound for off-label human use. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions. Personalized Peptides provides DNA-driven educational context and test interpretation — not clinical protocols or pharmaceutical recommendations.
Two pivotal Phase III randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in 404 HIV-infected patients with abdominal lipodystrophy demonstrated 15–20% VAT reduction over 26 weeks in the tesamorelin group versus placebo — with significant reductions in waist circumference and trunk fat and preserved lean body mass. This data package secured FDA approval in 2010.
SOURCE · Falutz et al., NEJM / FDA approval dossier 2010; Innerbody clinical review citing Falutz 2010 & Brown & Glesby 2023
A PMC study (2021) measuring fat density via CT Hounsfield Units found tesamorelin improved VAT quality independent of quantity — treated participants showed a significant +6.2 HU increase in VAT density (p<0.0001) vs +0.3 HU in placebo, indicating the adipocytes themselves were becoming smaller and metabolically healthier, not just fewer in number.
SOURCE · PMC8243807 — Tesamorelin Improves Fat Quality Independent of Changes in Fat Quantity, 2021
Protocol
How to use it.
Dosing
FDA-approved dose: 2 mg subcutaneous injection once daily (standard). A 1.4 mg formulation (Egrifta WR) is also available. Injection is into the abdomen, alternating sites. Administration is typically in the evening or at a consistent daily time. Often combined with Ipamorelin in off-label longevity protocols for amplified GH pulsatility.
Cycle
FDA clinical trials ran 26–52 weeks of continuous use. In longevity medicine, 3–6 month cycles are common, with monitoring breaks. Visceral fat begins measurably reducing by weeks 6–12; full trial benefit accrues at 26 weeks. Notably, VAT returns within a few months of discontinuation — ongoing or cyclical maintenance therapy is typically required to sustain results.
Contraindications
When to skip it.
Contraindicated in active malignancy, hypothalamic pituitary tumors, or disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis from surgery/radiation. Caution in pre-diabetics — can affect glucose homeostasis (though does not induce insulin resistance at standard doses unlike exogenous HGH). Monitoring for fluid retention, joint pain, and carpal tunnel. Serious allergic reactions possible. Pregnancy category X. FDA approval is limited to HIV lipodystrophy; off-label use requires clinical supervision.
Always cleared with your concierge before protocol start.
Regulatory Context
FDA compounding status.
| FDA Status | Risk Level | Compounding | Key Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| FDA-Approved (Egrifta) | 🟢 Stable | FDA-approved — compounding subject to standard rules | Approved 2010 |
FDA-approved as Egrifta for HIV-associated lipodystrophy (2010). GH releasing factor. Off-label use for body composition and metabolic health. Previously approved NDA gives it the strongest regulatory footing of any peptide in the PP catalog.
Source: FDA Federal Register, PCAC agendas, industry analyses. Educational context only — not legal advice. Review after July 23-24, 2026 PCAC meeting.
Pricing
What it costs.
Indicative range for Tesamorelin, sourced from vetted US and EU dispensing suppliers. Concierge confirms the exact figure once your match is locked.
Indicative range (USD)
Sourced through vetted dispensing partners in the United States and European Union. Concierge confirms the exact figure once your match is locked.
- 0199% purity verified, third-party tested
- 02Includes vial and reconstitution guidance
- 03Concierge supplier match included with every protocol
See Tesamorelin pricing — and your supplier match.
Pricing is unlocked once we know who you are. Take the 3-minute quiz and we'll match you to a US or EU dispensary based on your location and protocol fit.
- Live USD price range
- US & EU supplier shortlist
- Concierge sign-off on dosing
Indicative price range: $99–$149 USD