Tesamorelin

FDA-approved GHRH analog (Egrifta) - the only peptide with proven, selective visceral-fat activity.

ClinicalFDA-approvedInjectableMetabolic

Key facts

Common routesSubcutaneous

Half-life~26-38 minutes

Typical range1-2 mg/day

Résumé

Tesamorelin is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and the only GHRH analog with FDA approval - as Egrifta, for reducing visceral adipose tissue in HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Phase 3 trials consistently show 15-20% reduction in visceral fat over 26 weeks.

In the biohacking/performance community, Tesamorelin is the “Rolls-Royce” fat-loss peptide: selective for visceral fat (not subcutaneous), improved lipid profile, elevated IGF-1 - with a much cleaner side-effect profile than exogenous HGH. The one real drawback: it's expensive.

Notes sur le mécanisme

GHRH receptor agonism

Binds pituitary GHRH receptors and drives pulsatile release of endogenous GH. The natural feedback loop is preserved - no shutdown of endogenous production like you get with exogenous HGH.

Visceral lipolysis

The unique feature of Tesamorelin: its effect is selective for visceral fat, not subcutaneous. The exact mechanism behind that tissue specificity isn't fully elucidated, but the clinical finding is consistently reproduced across Phase 3 trials.

IGF-1 elevation

Significant rise in circulating IGF-1 - the pathway Tesamorelin uses to drive recovery and anti-aging effects alongside fat loss. Unlike HGH, the rise stays in a physiologic range.

Schémas de dosage

Standard protocol

Clinical dose: 2 mg subcutaneous, once daily, fasted (morning or pre-bed). Community practice often drops to 1 mg, mostly cost-driven - the effect remains measurable, just smaller. Keep at least 2 hours between the last meal and the shot; insulin blunts the GH pulse.

Stacked with Ipamorelin

1 mg Tesamorelin + 100 mcg Ipamorelin: the GHRH analog supplies the base pulse, the GHS amplifies it - together a substantially bigger GH release than either component alone. Same synergy as Mod GRF + Ipamorelin, but with a clinically validated GHRH half.

Aperçu des données

The evidence base is unusually strong for a peptide: Phase 3 RCTs in HIV lipodystrophy earned FDA approval. On top of that there are positive NAFLD/NASH data (liver fat reduction) and Phase 2 signals for cognitive function in mild cognitive impairment. Extrapolation to healthy adults is common and mechanism-consistent.

Phase 3 / FDA approval

Egrifta approval (Falutz 2010 and related): dose-dependent 15-20% visceral-fat reduction over 26 weeks; waist circumference decreases measurably.

Beyond the approved indication

NAFLD/NASH data show liver fat reduction; anti-aging clinics have used Tesamorelin for years and report consistent midsection fat loss, better sleep, and energy.

Considérations de sécurité

Side-effect profile is favorable and well-documented across multiple RCTs. The most common issues are local injection-site reactions (redness, itching); less frequently mild water retention or joint stiffness. No significant HGH-style side effects (carpal tunnel, severe water retention). Glucose monitoring is sensible on long cycles.

Key cautions

Dosez à jeun (2+ heures après un repas) - l'insuline atténue le pic de GH
Peut élever la glycémie à jeun / l'HbA1c chez certains utilisateurs - surveillez si vous êtes pré-diabétique ou en cycle long
La graisse viscérale revient généralement à l'arrêt, sauf si les changements de mode de vie sont maintenus